Chapter 34 : Conversation with Astrid
[Gray’s POV]
After training, we headed to the kitchen as usual.
It had become our little routine.
After every training session, Amy and I would relax with a glass of juice before doing anything else.
This time, I went to get the glasses while Amy headed to the storage room to grab the drinks.
Before she left, I looked at Astrid.
"What would you like, Astrid?"
"We always drink juice after training."
Astrid thought for a moment before answering.
"Hmm..."
"Orange juice will do."
I nodded.
"Got it."
As I took three glasses from the cabinet, Astrid watched Amy and me with a gentle smile.
"It seems you two have grown even closer while I was away."
There was obvious warmth in her voice.
She had watched us grow up since we were children, so seeing us together like this filled her with quiet happiness.
Then she suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right."
She turned toward me.
"Starting tomorrow, I’ll be taking over your training."
"I still don’t know what affinities you awakened."
"I’ll need that information so I can prepare the most suitable training plan."
I carried the glasses to the table and placed them down before answering.
"I awakened three affinities."
"Ice."
"Darkness."
"And Space."
I puffed out my chest proudly.
"Aren’t I amazing?"
Then I scratched my cheek.
"But Mom said I’m absolutely forbidden from using Space Affinity until I reach F-rank."
"So I won’t touch it."
Astrid froze.
"...Three affinities?"
Then her crimson eyes widened slightly.
"Space Affinity too...?"
Even someone as experienced as Astrid couldn’t completely hide her surprise.
Space Affinity was one of the rarest and most mysterious affinities in existence.
After a brief silence, she smiled.
"You really outdid yourself this time, little Gray."
"I’m sure the Matriarch was very happy."
Then she looked toward Amy.
"You two really are extraordinary."
"I still remember the day Young Lady awakened."
"The Matriarch looked happier than I’d ever seen her."
"And now..."
Her gaze returned to me.
"...you’ve awakened with three affinities."
Her expression softened.
"I’m truly happy."
"I’ve watched both of you grow up since you were children."
"So seeing you become stronger..."
"...makes me happier than you can imagine."
Just then, Amy returned carrying a tray.
She placed grape juice in front of me, apple juice in front of herself, and orange juice in front of Astrid.
After sitting down, she smiled proudly.
"Hmph."
"Of course Gray is amazing."
"He’s my little brother."
I rolled my eyes.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"As if my talent came from having such an annoying older sister."
Amy immediately crossed her arms.
"Obviously it did."
"At least half of your greatness comes from having an incredible older sister."
I stared at her.
"...Where did you even get that logic?"
"It’s called common sense."
"No, it isn’t!"
Astrid couldn’t help laughing.
It had been nearly seven months since she’d last seen them.
Now she was sitting in the kitchen, drinking juice while listening to the siblings argue over something completely ridiculous.
Somehow...
It felt comforting.
It felt like home.
After the laughter settled, Astrid placed her glass on the table.
"Alright."
"Enough fooling around."
"Starting tomorrow, I’ll officially be taking over Gray’s training."
She looked directly at me.
"So prepare yourself, little Gray."
"I won’t go easy on you just because you’re cute."
A chill instantly ran down my spine.
For some reason...
Those words sounded terrifying.
Judging by Amy’s expression...
She felt exactly the same.
The following morning, Amy and I arrived at the training grounds together.
Astrid was already waiting.
She stood with her arms folded, her long black hair swaying gently in the morning breeze while her crimson eyes calmly observed the surroundings.
The moment she noticed us approaching, a faint smile appeared on her face.
"You’re three minutes late."
Although her voice remained calm, neither of us dared to take it lightly.
"Sorry!" we answered together.
I immediately walked over to the weapon rack and picked up Eclipse.
Amy, meanwhile, summoned her katana into her hand with practiced ease.
Astrid nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
"Since both of you are here..."
"...let’s begin."
She first turned toward Amy.
"Young Lady."
"Continue your usual foundation training."
"I’ll correct your mistakes afterward."
Amy nodded confidently.
"Understood."
Astrid then shifted her attention toward me.
"And you, little Gray."
"This is your first official day training under me."
"So before I teach you anything..."
"...I need to know your current level."
I straightened immediately.
"Okay!"
"First..."
"Show me your swordsmanship."
Without hesitation, I unsheathed Eclipse.
Shing—
The blood-red blade reflected the morning sunlight beautifully.
Astrid’s eyes lingered on it for a moment.
"A beautiful weapon."
"It suits you."
I grinned.
"Of course."
"I named it Eclipse."
Astrid smiled.
"Then let’s see whether its owner deserves such a name."
I nodded and stepped into position.
Then I began demonstrating everything Mother had taught me.
Horizontal slashes.
Vertical cuts.
Diagonal strikes.
Thrusts.
Footwork.
I focused on every movement, making sure my posture stayed stable from beginning to end.
Astrid watched in complete silence.
She didn’t interrupt me even once.
Only after I finished did she finally nod.
"Very good."
"Your foundation is solid."
"Your movements are smooth."
"The Matriarch and Selena taught you well."
I couldn’t help smiling proudly.
"Hehe."
"I worked really hard."
Astrid walked over and lightly flicked my forehead.
"Ow!"
"Don’t let it go to your head."
"Your foundation is excellent."
"But your body is still weak."
"Your movements waste too much strength."
"And..."
She looked directly into my eyes.
"...your sword has no killing intent."
My expression immediately became serious.
Astrid nodded approvingly.
"Good."
"At least you know how to listen."
Then she pointed toward the center of the training ground.
"Today..."
"I won’t teach you any flashy techniques."
I blinked.
"Huh?"
"Why not?"
Astrid smiled faintly.
"Because techniques are meaningless without proper movement."
"A swordsman who can’t move properly..."
"...is just a target."
She slowly drew her own sword.
"Before learning how to kill your enemy..."
"...you must first learn how to avoid being killed."
Then she pointed her blade toward me.
"Come."
I blinked.
"You want me to attack?"
She shook her head.
"No."
The next instant—
She vanished.
My pupils shrank.
"Wha—"
Tap.
A finger gently touched my forehead.
I hadn’t even seen her move.
I stared at her in complete disbelief.
Astrid smiled knowingly.
"First lesson."
"Never take your eyes off your opponent."
From the side, Amy burst into laughter.
"Pfft—!"
"Hahaha!"
"Gray, your face is priceless!"
I immediately puffed out my cheeks.
"Hmph!"
"Just wait!"
"One day I’ll surprise both of you!"
Astrid and Amy exchanged amused glances before laughing together.
Watching them, I couldn’t help smiling as well.
And just like that...
My training under Astrid officially began.