The Moonlight Swordsman



"So you are back, do you still want to browse through Grimorium?" Ashlyn asked.

Aizel, Isabella, and Daisy made their way back to the Grimorium section, where they met Ashlyn.

"Of course, that's was the reason we actually came for the library," 

"But Aizel don't you have two grimorium both for fire and lightning?" Isabella asked.

"And you haven't even reached Grade III yet."

Aizel didn't reply to her as he started to browse through the Grimorium section.

He headed towards the Grade II section where his gaze finally settled on what he was looking for.

He gently picked the grimorium and nodded.

"Wait... don't tell me.." Isabella shuttered a little.

"You are really an interesting mage. Now I know why King seems to be so protective towards you," Ashlyn said.

"Let's go,"

Approaching the reception area, Aizel initiated the rental process for the Grimorium he sought.

The person behind the desk told him that the rent usually costs 100 gold coins. 

"Let's meet on the day of the tournament now, Aizel and Daisy, take care," Isabella said.

"You also take care of yourself. We will meet soon again," Aizel replied. 

As the sun began its descent and turn the sky orange and pink, Aizel, Ashlyn, and Daisy left the library and started heading toward the castle.

The three people walked along the cobblestone path and the sounds of their steps.

As the three of them walked through the castle's grand halls, they encountered Aquarian standing patiently at a familiar intersection.

"Ashlyn you can leave now. You both join me for the meeting," 

Ashlyn nodded and left.

Both Aizel and Daisy trailed Aquarian and headed towards a small study room where everyone was present already. 

"So now you all are here, let's discuss the plan and strategy for the tournament," Aquarian said.

Both Aizel and Daisy grab the chair and sat beside Seraphine.

"For the team battle, which will be the main competition and held at last, who have you thought should participate first?" Aquarian asked, looking towards Zareena.

"I have thought that I will decide after getting to know who will be our opponent. 

"Saving Aizel won't matter because he is going to participate in other battles too, so till then everyone will know about him."

"Remember, in the team tournament, the first round will be 1v1 which will be a death battle. 

"The winner will be rewarded with two points. Next will be 2v2 where the winner will be rewarded 3 points, again it will be the death battle.

"Last will be the 5v5 team battle where the last man standing will be able to win 5 points for his team," Aquarian explained.

"So what will happen if both teams get 5-5 points each and ended up in a draw?" Aizel asked.

"Then there will special 1v1 match will be held and that will also be a death battle. Whoever is left standing wins the match."

"Now you are only 7 members in your team. I don't want to jinx it but by any chance some of you die and still win the battle, you will only be able to include the Garde II mages in your team from the next battle.

"So try to win every death battle and survive and let's all go home together safely. Even though the Kings want you to win the tournament, always remember your life is more important.

"Everyone has someone who is waiting for them to come back home safely. Now you can all leave and head back to your room,"

As everyone else left the room, Aizel and Daisy gave each other a knowing look and then went together to a certain room.

They walked together through the grand hallways of the castle. Their steps echoed softly against the smooth stone floor.

The flickering candles made shadows dance on the walls, making the room feel magical. 

As they reach the room Aizel walked and jumped straight for the bed.

"Aizel I forgot something to let you know," Suddenly Daisy said, she walked and gently sit on the other side of the bed,

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Grandmaster Gogo gave me something as a gift when I and Vespara went away to take the kids back,"

From her a small pocket on her dress, she took out a small cube-shaped box that had a mysterious runic inscription on it and showed it to Aizel.

"Vespara told me that this is a magic artifact. But I wasn't able to activate it even a single time. I don't even know what is it.

Aizel grabbed the cube shape box from her hand and started to look at it more closely. 

"Even I don't have any idea what it could be. Did Grandmaster Gogo tell you something about it?"

"No,"

"But I remember that Vespara told me that it won't be able to use by anyone because I have touched it. 

"I wanted to give you this because I don't deserve a magic artifact and I think it will be more helpful for you,"

Aizel smiled and held her hand and said, "Don't worry about me. It might be something that can come in use for you. 

"And What do you mean you don't deserve it? You are a strong woman and you are a good mother. 

"Your dad was so proud when he told me everything about you," Aizel replied.

"Did he really say that?" Daisy asked, her eyes started to become watery. 

"Of course, why would I lie to you? He was mad at me because I gave up and started to curse everything on my bad luck and my past.

"I thought, he hated me a little...b-because I didn't listen to him and gave birth to Lily,"

Daisy started to cry and hug Aizel.

"He loved you more than anyone and he loved Lily too. He didn't wanted you to experience the harsh environment in the village after what happened. That's why he sent you to Chester town.

Aizel patted her back slowly as Daisy cried in his arms.

"I will find a way to get that potion and heal your eyes. I want you to see everything. 

"Your daughter, other kids, Vespara, Shelly, and the moon you always imagine,"