Just like the other girls, Astrid found herself in quite a pickle. Her path to the rendezvous point led through a hallway door, but it was completely blocked by one of the Featherlights’ Elite Guards, Dante. His huge build and overwhelming confidence immediately marked him as one of the strongest. He was simply sitting on the corner, waiting for a worthy challenge.

 

At first glance, Astrid knew she couldn’t win a head-on fight, but she couldn't afford to be stuck. Her fingers were shaking, and fear clouded her mind, preventing rational thought.

 

Desperate and worried that her sisters were already in danger, Astrid decided to engage the enemy anyway. She was about to step forward when a mysterious figure suddenly appeared right beside her. It was so fast and unexpected it caught her off guard. She quickly distanced herself, taking a defensive stance. Thankfully, the person who approached her was Kedrick, who had approached with soundless ease.

 

“Approach me and you’ll die a brutal death, unless you’re strong enough to face me. That’s what I’m getting from his malicious presence,” Kedrick relayed to Astrid based on his observation.

 

“Ack… Mr. Kedrick, you scared the heck out of me!” Astrid exclaimed.

 

“I’m sorry about that. I was observing you from afar and noticed that you were about to do something outrageous, so I had to intervene,” Kedrick explained.

 

“Grr… What choice do I have? I don’t have time to dilly-dally. My sisters might already be in trouble as we speak,” Astrid responded, frustrated.

 

Kedrick smiled gently and persuaded her to calm down. “Put a little more faith in your sisters, will you?”

 

Astrid gave him a frustrated look, but Kedrick’s kind demeanor and soothing voice allowed her to re-evaluate her rash decision.

 

“I just don’t want to lose any more loved ones,” Astrid muttered to herself as she calmed. She stopped being stiff and relaxed her mind, clearing out the bad ideas.

 

“A warrior whose mind is as clear and calm as the surface of the pond will always survive any dire situation, remember that, Astrid,” Kedrick quoted, offering guidance.

 

Astrid nodded in response.

 

“Now that you have calmed down, I want you to listen to me. You’re not on this guy’s level yet, so it’s okay to run away. I’ll entertain him by giving him what he wants, a challenge. Use that time to pass through the door and meet up with your sisters, understood?” Kedrick instructed.

 

“B-but… I can’t just leave you behind,” Astrid worriedly responded.

 

“Don’t worry, I may not be the leader of this town, but I’m still as strong as my wife,” Kedrick assured her.

 

Astrid was still unsure, but time was short. “Fine. But make sure that you kick his butt!”

 

Kedrick offered a genuine smile, signaling that everything would be alright. They were about to execute their plan when the Featherlight, whose presence they were trying to hide from, spoke up. They had been discovered long ago.

 

“The man hiding behind that pillar, don’t keep me waiting and show yourself already,” Dante shouted.

 

Kedrick and Astrid were shocked, but their objective remained the same.

 

“Looks like the cat is out of the bag. I’ve been hiding my presence all this time, yet he still managed to notice me,” Kedrick muttered.

 

“Stay here and wait for the right opportunity to escape,” Kedrick whispered to Astrid before revealing himself to the enemy.

 

“Finally, a challenge! I was getting impatient because no one had the will to approach me, but now that you’re here, make sure that every minute of my time is worth it!” Dante boasted.

 

“Ho-ho… what impressive confidence you have. It would be a shame if I didn’t get the name of such a mighty warrior like you,” Kedrick suggested.

 

“Bwahaha! I like you, old man! You embody the spirit of a warrior. I’m Dante, one of Featherlight’s Elite Guards and the King’s Left Hand! I only seek strong opponents to fight, so make sure that you’re one of them,” he responded confidently.

 

“Much obliged,” Kedrick smiled and released his overwhelming Aura in response.

 

Dante respected the gesture and released his overwhelming Light Magic as well.

 

[Light Magic: Summon; Sword of Radiance]

 

Unlike the other Elite Guards, Dante had a unique approach: he didn't cast spells but summoned a giant sword made out of pure light that he used as his weapon.

 

The ensuing fight was unlike anything Astrid had ever seen. She was frozen in awe, enthralled by the battle between the two powerful warriors.

 

Kedrick and Dante had opposing styles, yet they fought toe-to-toe. Dante’s huge physique made his every attack devastatingly strong, while Kedrick’s smaller, lighter build made him agile and fast. Both were masters of their techniques, clearly veterans of countless battles. Both smiled, obviously enjoying the fight.

 

“I know you can do better than dodging, old man,” Dante taunted.

 

“Oh, you overestimate me too much,” Kedrick responded playfully.

 

[Aura Manipulation: Palm Strike]

 

The moment Kedrick saw an opportunity, he used his aura-infused palm to send Dante flying, crashing through the solid wall. This caught Dante off guard, but the impact only caused a scratch.

 

“A-amazing, so this is what being a true warrior is like,” Astrid whispered in awe.

 

“Amazing technique, old man, but it lacks power,” Dante assessed as he stepped out of the rubble.

 

“This old man has had enough lectures in his lifetime already. I don't need one from you anymore,” Kedrick retorted.

 

“Bwahaha! Guess it’s time that I show you what I’m capable of! Make sure you don't die in one hit, old man,” Dante declared. He held his summoned sword with both hands, pointing it toward Kedrick, and compressed the muscles in his lower body to initiate a speed boost. The floor beneath him broke instantly from his weight and the pressure of his stance.

 

Dante closed the distance with a single leap. His overwhelming strength combined with the sudden burst of speed was surely devastating. Kedrick, relying on years of experience, managed to block Dante’s sword by focusing his aura defensively in his palm. He succeeded, but the impact nearly tore his arm apart.

 

“Amazing! You’re the first one to ever survive that attack of mine!” Dante complimented.

 

Kedrick, smiling but shaken, gained some distance. Though he minimized the impact, the attack was still devastating to his body.

 

Dante immediately noticed his condition and was disappointed. “Oi oi oi, don’t give up on me yet, old man. We're just getting started!”

 

“I wouldn’t even dream of disrespecting a warrior like you,” Kedrick responded, his eyes still burning with fighting spirit.

 

“That’s the spirit!” Dante shouted excitedly.

 

The two warriors continued their fight, savoring every moment and risking their lives for pride. Astrid, however, was still watching. She couldn't bring herself to escape, unable to bear the thought of Kedrick losing without her help. Kedrick’s earlier advice about trusting her sisters also cycled in her mind, forcing her to re-evaluate her decision to stay.

 

As the battle continued, Kedrick began to lag. Despite his experience and wisdom, his aging body couldn't keep up with the youthful potential of Dante.

 

“It’s been a good fight, old man, but it’s time to end this,” Dante exclaimed.

 

Kedrick was down on his feet from fatigue. “Oh dear, guess this is it for me,” he muttered, accepting his fate.

 

As he prepared for the end, Astrid finally moved, joining the fight by blocking Dante’s attack with her sword. It took all of her strength, but she successfully held the line, a testament to her own innate power.

 

“Arghh… that was close!” Astrid gasped.

 

Kedrick was shocked. “Why are you still here?” He asked, thinking she had left.

 

“My conscience couldn’t just leave you here to die. Also, you told me yourself to trust my sisters more, and that’s what I’m doing right now,” Astrid responded confidently.

 

Kedrick was happy to see Astrid embrace her convictions, but there was no time for sentimentality. He needed to think of an escape plan before they both died.

 

Dante was displeased by Astrid’s interruption, his mood instantly tarnished. “I don’t have time to waste with a puny little human like you. Leave at once or face my wrath!” He threatened.

 

Astrid stood firm, positioning herself for battle and declining his offer. “I won’t run away, not when I’m aspiring to become a great warrior.”

 

“Very well, you made your choice. I’ll respect your determination, but I won’t show you any mercy,” Dante responded.

 

Astrid was scared, but adrenaline kept her fear in check. The thought of not seeing her family again strengthened her will to live.

 

“Here I come, prepare yourself,” Dante warned. He charged forward, and Astrid immediately defended, trying to find any opportunity to attack. 

 

I know I can’t take down a monster like him, but I could at least buy time for Mr. Kedrick to recover, she thought. She managed to keep pace with Dante’s speed, but one solid hit would be the end of her.

 

Astrid utilized her sword’s ability to extend, attacking from a distance. This tactic was highly beneficial against Dante, who wielded a heavy, enormous sword.

 

Irritated, Dante deliberately lowered his guard to trick Astrid into thinking he had an opening. The trick worked, Astrid attacked. Dante immediately threw away his weapon, catching Astrid’s extending sword mid-air.

 

His grip was so strong that he threw Astrid, along with her sword, into a wall. Astrid dropped to her knees. She minimized the damage by shielding herself with her sword, but the impact was still severe.

 

Before she could stand, Dante seized the opportunity. Instead of chasing her, he picked up his sword and tossed it like a spear. The sword was too fast for Astrid to dodge. Kedrick, having recovered enough aura, intervened in the nick of time.

 

[Aura Manipulation: Palm Wave Dissonance]

 

Kedrick stopped the attack from hitting Astrid by flowing his aura from his palm directly into the sword, causing it to shatter into pieces.

 

“Don’t count me out yet, big guy,” Kedrick announced.

 

“Mr. Kedrick, y-you’re already back,” Astrid said, relieved.

 

“I am, but I haven’t fully recovered yet, so I’m only here as a support. You need to be the one to finish this if you wish for us to make it out,” Kedrick responded.

 

“I don’t think I can beat him. I’m nowhere near his level,” Astrid admitted.

 

“The mind is the limit. As long as you can envision yourself winning, then you will win no matter what,” Kedrick advised.

 

Dante had had enough and decided to use his full power. “This has gone on long enough. I will permit you to see me at my full power as a token of gratitude for pushing me this far.”

 

The atmosphere shifted as Dante began casting the final form of his magic.

 

[Ultimate Light Magic: Aspect of Twilight]

 

Dante’s entire body was encased in majestic, heavy armor made of radiant light, boosting his defensive and offensive capabilities to the maximum. A new, bigger, and tougher sword of light was immediately resummoned in his hand.

 

“Do not be overwhelmed, Astrid. I’ll keep defending, just focus on attacking him with everything you’ve got,” Kedrick instructed. 

 

Astrid nodded, fire reigniting in her eyes.

 

Their teamwork, attack and defense, kept pace with Dante’s overwhelming strength, but each of Dante’s strikes was ten times stronger than before. The power gap was immense.

 

Don’t lose focus! One mistake and you’re a goner! Astrid screamed in her mind amid the chaos.

 

Kedrick was weakening due to his previous injuries. Astrid was also struggling, her attacks were useless against Dante’s armored defense. Yet, they desperately searched for an opening.

 

An opportunity arose when they successfully separated Dante from his sword. They thought it was the moment for a full-power attack, but Dante had an ace up his sleeve, he could summon more than one sword. Kedrick noticed immediately and pushed Astrid out of harm’s way. He saved her, but one of Dante’s newly summoned swords pierced his upper body. He barely survived.

 

“Mr. Kedrick!” Astrid screamed, losing all hope. Dante was already behind her, ready to strike. She managed to defend herself against the attack, but the pressure was too much.

 

The treasured sword, a gift from her deceased sister, couldn't handle the force and broke in half. On the brink of unconsciousness, Astrid suddenly recalled a precious memory of her sister, Eli.

 

Four years ago, when the wall separating the rich and the poor was established in the Vermine Kingdom, Astrid and Eli were victims of the change. Eli, a strong-willed woman, fought with a radiating hope and fighting spirit. Eli closely resembled Astrid, but with tough, calloused skin, a testament to her fight for her people’s rights. Despite her warrior’s appearance, her soft-spoken voice captivated her people, encouraging them not to lose hope.

 

“She’s back! Eli is back!” One of the residents announced.

 

A crowd gathered in the small village behind the enormous kingdom walls to welcome her. 

 

Astrid ran to her sister, excited.

 

“Welcome back, Sis, tee-hee.”

 

“I’m back,” Eli responded, patting Astrid’s head. “Come, let’s resume your sword training.”

 

“Okay, this time I’ll prove to you that I’m ready to join you on your cause,” Astrid said, sparkling with determination.

 

Eli, already a master swordswoman, began training Astrid in swordsmanship to prepare her for a future where she could fight for her freedom. Though strict, the lessons were full of love.

 

Huff Huff

 

“It’s my loss, I give up,” Astrid surrendered during practice.

 

“Then that’s it for today. You’ve improved a lot since our last training, good job, lil sis,” Eli complimented her.

 

“It’s still not enough, though. I still need to keep training if I want to be on your level,” Astrid complained.

 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. There will always be another day, and when that day comes, you’ll finally be ready to take over my sword,” Eli said.

 

Astrid was motivated. To wield such an amazing sword would be an honor. “I can’t wait for that day, Sis. I still can’t explain how your sword can just extend like that, it feels magical,” she added.

 

Eli unsheathed her sword and looked up. “It’s not about the ability that enthralls me. For me, this sword embodies my will to free my people from oppression. With this sword, I think I’ll be able to pass through anything that’s blocking my path toward freedom. Even the sky feels reachable with this sword.”

 

“One day it’ll be your turn to face the responsibilities, but no matter how challenging the future might get, promise me that you’ll never change and will always be my sweet and innocent little sister,” Eli added, hugging her sister.

 

Eli’s gentle voice was the last thing Astrid remembered before the brink of losing consciousness.

 

I'm sorry, sis, but I can’t stay as your naive and innocent little sister anymore. Just like this sword, I will change and adapt to survive because this time, I have a new family waiting for me to come back, she thought. Even with her sword’s blade split in half, her determination did not waver. With her small body, she managed to completely push Dante back.

 

“My freedom isn’t so cheap that I’m gonna lose to someone like you who only finds joy in fighting!” Astrid responded fiercely.

 

“That’s it! You finally have it! The spirit of a warrior!” Dante exclaimed.

 

“I am a warrior, and this sword proves it. My sister handed it to me, and I’m gonna use it to fulfill her wishes by defeating you right here, right now!” Astrid declared.

 

Dante was filled with pleasure. This is what I’ve been searching for my entire life. I wanna know the taste of despair! He thought excitedly. 

 

Dante sought the thrill of a challenge. Now, with someone able to withstand his strength, he was finally enjoying himself.

 

Drawing on the memory of her sister, Astrid was even more determined to win. She applied everything Eli taught her, combined with all her own experiences. She became stronger and faster, blocking each of Dante’s attacks with newfound ease. Astrid was finally utilizing her sword to its fullest potential, pushing Dante to his limits even with his ultimate magic active.

 

Both were exhausted, but Dante had been fighting since the beginning, and the toll was starting to show. Astrid, determined to end it before losing consciousness, saw her chance.

 

“You’ve shown me a good time, kid, but let’s finish this now. Whoever’s standing in the end is the true warrior,” Dante declared. He summoned two huge swords of light, one in each hand, compressed his muscles, and charged toward Astrid.

 

“Show me your worst!” Astrid responded. She put her remaining strength into one final attempt.

 

With their pride and lives on the line, their attacks collided. The impact was felt all over the mansion, but Astrid managed to push through.

 

“Get lost!” She shouted. She lifted Dante high up by extending her broken sword into the sky, the longest she had ever stretched it. The weight was immense, nearly making her pass out.

 

Dante was completely out of magic, allowing Astrid’s sword to shatter both his ultimate armor and his swords, but it wasn’t enough to end him. Astrid was about to fall when Kedrick recovered a final measure of aura and came to her aid.

 

“Just keep on extending your sword, Astrid. We’ll end this with one final attack, trust me,” Kedrick said.

 

“I trust you, Mr. Kedrick,” Astrid responded.

 

Kedrick supported Astrid’s back to keep her steady. With his remaining strength, he coated her sword with his aura, merging their techniques to create a powerful combination attack.

 

[Combo Attack: Sky Dissonance]

 

Dante’s skin was exposed, allowing Kedrick’s high-frequency aura to travel through his body, destroying him from the inside.

 

Finally, the two had taken down one of the strongest Elite Guards in the Featherlight army. Even with Kedrick’s help, it was a monumental achievement for Astrid.

 

Huff Huff

 

“W-we did it, we actually did it! We defeated him!” Astrid celebrated before finally falling to the ground.

 

Kedrick reached out his hand to Astrid. “It was all thanks to your perseverance that we’re still alive today. Stand with your head held high, for you are already a true warrior.”

 

Astrid gave him a huge smile. She looked at her broken sword and thought of her deceased sister. I did it, Sis. I managed to overcome a strong opponent. Now I’m a step closer to becoming a great warrior like you.

 

After resting for a while, Astrid stood up and asked about Kedrick's well-being. “Are your injuries okay now, Mr. Kedrick?”

 

“You don’t need to worry. Like I told you, we Beastkins recover faster than anyone else. I know you want to meet your sisters already, so let’s proceed right away,” Kedrick said. Astrid agreed, and both of them continued to Nilda’s room as planned.

 

Now that three of the strongest warriors of the Featherlight race had fallen, the Beastkins’ ultimate victory was only a matter of time.