Chapter 27: Olivia and Charis's Crucial Role |
...
The situation in Postaya Province was growing increasingly tense.
In the following days.
The disturbances around Thunderkeep multiplied.
Holdo had no choice but to dispatch troops to suppress the rebellions.
Despite the growing tension, the overall situation was favorable, with morale soaring high.
Charis's exceptional magical talent repeatedly proved decisive on the battlefield.
On those battlefields.
Several Fireball spells would often force entire groups of rebels to surrender immediately.
With just her sword, she frequently routed rebel forces single-handedly.
Her swordsmanship had now reached a level where she could rival even her father Holdo.
This made Holdo sigh in admiration while lamenting his own aging.
At the same time, he felt profoundly grateful for Jonas's choices.
This Albino truly was the perfect choice as a retainer.
Moreover, with Olivia and Charis by their side, he even considered expanding their territory.
As more talents joined their ranks and these two continued growing stronger.
He began envisioning the possibility of conquering Tars City itself.
Jonas's recruitment of these two retainers was nothing short of brilliant.
"Our future looks exceedingly bright~"
Asher: "Indeed, with Charis and Lady Olivia.
We've been achieving constant victories."
...
Upon returning from this victorious campaign.
Charis came bouncing excitedly to Jonas.
"Young master Jonas, I contributed the most this time."
Charis was overflowing with happiness now.
Compared to her former sewer-like existence that reeked of decay in both atmosphere and prospects.
She now basked in what felt like a radiant future.
A wonderful life, the soldiers' admiration, the people's reverence...
Upon her return, numerous noble girls had even approached her seeking magic lessons.
Addressing her as "my lady" and "savior"...
Charis had never felt so important before.
This newfound significance made the formerly timid girl blossom with unexpected cheerfulness.
...
Observing the abundant spoils his father brought back.
Jonas remarked:
"Well done. What reward would you like?"
Hearing Jonas's question, Charis pondered briefly.
As if struck by a thought, her cheeks flushed slightly before she stealthily approached Jonas and whispered: "Then young master... could you pet me more often?
I really like it when you..."
Seeming to realize how embarrassing her request sounded, she quickly lowered her head.
Jonas blinked in surprise at her words, taking a moment to process them.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, he said nothing.
Simply ruffling the girl's hair affectionately instead.
Watching Charis's blissful expression.
Jonas's lips twitched slightly.
This is sinful...
For Jonas who had been indulging freely in this world, this was a rare moment of guilt.
Still... the fluffy hair felt nice to touch.
....
Meanwhile.
Olivia stood behind them with Frostclear strapped to her back, initially eager to approach and share her battlefield achievements with her master.
But witnessing this scene, she pressed her lips together.
Unable to voice anything.
She... she had also slain many rebels in battle...
While lost in her thoughts.
Jonas unexpectedly approached and said:
"Olivia."
"Huh?"
"Father mentioned you injured your wrist in battle?"
Olivia immediately shook her head: "It's nothing, young master, just a minor scrape."
The young master still cared about her!
Jonas: "I made you a wristband."
Jonas produced a fiery red wristband from behind.
"Young master, this..."
"Don't like it?"
"No no... I love it."
Jonas explained: "This is a specially enchanted wristband storing three Fireball spells.
The activation mechanism triggers when you swing forcefully."
"Fireball spells? Like Charis's?"
"No, more powerful than hers."
"Young master is amazing! Are you a mage too?"
"Something like that!"
Olivia never doubted Jonas.
She immediately put on the wristband, its soft lining soothing her injured wrist with comforting warmth.
The young master made this personally!
"Take good care of yourself and avoid injuries."
"Yes!"
...
After comforting his two major "contributors," Jonas turned his attention to his status panel.
Olivia's Loyalty had reached 70%.
The ability return multiplier had reached a staggering 14x.
[Jonas]
[Swordsmanship: 180031]
[Bronze-rank Tier 2 Swordsman]
[Skill: Whirlwind Slash]
[Whirlwind Slash Proficiency: 171349]
[Whirlwind Slash Stage 4: Hidden Wind
Sword momentum like wind, concealed within swordplay, shadowing movements, untraceable]
[Magic: 21023]
[Black Iron-rank Tier 2 Mage]
[Skill: Fireball spell]
[Fireball Proficiency: 124270]
...
Jonas nodded in satisfaction at his status.
With such capabilities, even if the Destiny Army came knocking, Thunderkeep now possessed meaningful defensive strength.
Over a hundred thousand proficiency in Fireball spell rivaled advanced magic of equivalent tiers.
Yet Jonas still felt uneasy.
Compared to other factions, Thunderkeep remained relatively weak.
It seemed modern knowledge would be needed to upgrade Thunderkeep's defenses.
And he needed to find an opportunity to bind an assassin.
Assassins specialized in stealth and speed.
Acquiring such abilities would significantly enhance his personal safety.
Steady development was key.
Just as Jonas was contemplating these plans—
BOOM—
A tremendous explosion suddenly erupted from the city walls.
The unexpected blast caught everyone off guard.
Heads snapped up in alarm as all eyes turned toward the walls.
The post-victory cheer instantly evaporated.
Holdo shouted: "Trouble!
To the walls! We're under attack!"