Chapter 49: You've Already Done Well Enough |
After Jonas brought Liliana back to Thunderkeep, he took out ten magic crystals from his spatial ring and gave them to Holdo.
"Father, take these magic crystals for your cultivation. I've noticed you're always too frugal with your training resources."
Holdo's eyes widened at the sight of the offered crystals. He only had a few magic crystals himself, yet Jonas was casually giving him ten?
"Good, good, good..." Holdo grinned broadly as he accepted the crystals, flashing his white teeth. His pride in his son was evident as he smugly glanced at Asher, who rolled his eyes in response.
...
Upon Jonas's return, Olivia and Charis were the first to greet him. However, with so many people present, neither felt comfortable showing affection openly. Both women eyed Liliana standing beside Jonas with subtle hostility, especially when comparing their own figures to hers.
Size isn't everything, they thought bitterly.
Standing behind Olivia, Slynda watched as Jonas brought yet another woman home. Observing the way Liliana gazed at Jonas, she couldn't help but purse her lips.
Another woman completely taken in by his charm, she mused. Honestly, she couldn't understand what made so many beautiful women so devoted to him. Why didn't any follow her instead?
Olivia's expression darkened immediately. "Don't speak of Master Jonas that way! Who wouldn't want to follow someone so exceptional? I'm just one among many."
Her subdued tone didn't escape Slynda's notice. Still defending him, she thought irritably. Damn it, all these amazing women are being wasted on Jonas.
Recently, Slynda had become completely awed by Olivia. Olivia's skills had far surpassed even Holdo's, reaching the peak of Black Iron-rank. Without relying on magic crystals, her progress was unprecedented. Her sword techniques were extraordinarily sharp, earning her the title [White War Goddess] among the territory's people. Slynda suspected even Jonas might struggle against Olivia now.
Ironically, Olivia had become Slynda's instructor, teaching her the Whirlwind Slash. Through their training sessions, Slynda found herself increasingly captivated by Olivia's beauty, especially when she changed from her swordsman attire into a maid outfit - her white hair framing a soft, fragrant presence that made Slynda want to kiss her. Of course, she kept these thoughts to herself, knowing full well she was no match for Olivia's combat prowess.
"Since Jonas prefers mature women, why don't you and I—" Slynda began, only to be cut off by Olivia's icy command: "Go practice Whirlwind Slash twenty more times."
Slynda grimaced. "Nana, I've been practicing forever! And there's a banquet tonight!"
"Don't call me Nana!"
"Eh..."
"Start practicing now, or you'll spar with me tonight!"
"What? Spar?" That's just using me as a punching bag, Slynda thought. "Alright, alright! I'm going!"
Everyone here is a monster, she pouted.
...
After settling other matters, Jonas took Liliana to find Olivia. He intended to provide ample magic crystals to enhance Olivia's strength, thereby improving his own capabilities.
In the training room, Jonas noticed Olivia's slight tension as he asked, "How has your training been progressing?"
"Master, I've been practicing diligently in your absence," Olivia answered earnestly. "I've reached the third stage of Whirlwind Slash." Then she frowned worriedly. "But I still feel my progress is too slow. After all this time, I still can't break through to Bronze-rank."
Nearby, Slynda who was practicing rolled her eyes inwardly: Slow? She's already at the peak of Black Iron-rank! I've been training forever and I'm still at Greenstone-rank! This is just unfair.
Jonas waved dismissively. "It's not your fault, just a matter of resources."
"Attack me. Let me evaluate your recent progress." He knew from the system's records that her proficiency and abilities had been steadily improving. The spar served dual purposes: to guide her and to demonstrate his own strength, reinforcing her loyalty and motivation. After all, with growing power and acclaim, anyone could become complacent - Olivia included.
Hmm... this almost makes me seem like a capitalist, he mused.
...
Facing Jonas, Olivia took a deep breath. "Please be careful, Master."
With a clear "Clang—", her sword sang as she pivoted, her hair fluttering like snow in the wake of her sword energy. The blade moved like a dragon through air, the condensed energy forming a translucent silver-white arc - proof of how far she had mastered Whirlwind Slash.
...
Slynda stared dumbfounded at the terrifying sword technique. Wait... does this mean Olivia wasn't even using her full strength against my father?
Liliana couldn't help a soft gasp either. Having seen many geniuses in the Empire, she had never encountered someone Olivia's age with such formidable sword energy. Yet compared to Jonas, who she had witnessed instantly defeat two Bronze-rank swordsmen, Olivia still paled.
...
Facing this seemingly devastating attack, Jonas remained motionless. He simply grasped his sword hilt and raised it casually, blocking as if swatting away a breeze.
"Clang—"
The silver-white arc shattered against his unmoving hilt, dispersing into glittering motes of light. Not even a tremor disturbed Jonas's stance - Olivia's full-powered strike might as well have been a zephyr.
Olivia froze mid-motion, eyes wide with disbelief. She knew the power behind her perfected Whirlwind Slash - the result of relentless training, energy solidified enough to rend any obstacle. Yet Jonas had nullified it with a casual block.
His mastery of Whirlwind Slash was terrifying.
"How... is this possible?" Olivia looked dejectedly at her sword. Am I really so weak? My strongest attack, prepared with full concentration, was casually dismissed. There's no point continuing this match.
How can Master be this strong? He's like an insurmountable mountain - every time I grow stronger, I'm reminded of how vast his power truly is.
Jonas sheathed his sword and gently patted Olivia's smooth hair. "Keep practicing, there's still room for improvement. Of course, I'm happy to help you grow stronger. But remember - you've already done well enough."