Chapter 25

  The energy that Rillian Adore let out wasn't enough for anyone to guess what level he was at. Yet, the woman did it accurately.

  Rillian Adore must have thought this as well as he looked up at her with a guarded expression.

  She ignored the questions building in everyone's mind as she returned to her normally, emotionless countenance.

  Making eye contact with each of them, she said, “You all should be fully healed. You can step out now.”

  Actually, everyone, besides being on guard with this woman, were also in awe. They didn't fully trust her, but still, based on the fact that if she was going to try anything, she could have done so when they were hurt instead of healing them, they relaxed a little and didn't bother to argue or resist.

  They did as she said and stepped out, their clothes soaking wet.

  When they were all out, the woman waved her hand at them and a strong gust of wind shot forth.

  Once it subsided, they were dry from head to toe.

  The woman turned around to face her cottage.

  Before she began to walk, she said, “Follow me.”

  Pausing for another moment, she tilted her head back to look at Peanut. “And you will not be able to fit in that form. Change back.”

  Surprisingly, Peanut actually complied. His body became surrounded by a blinding glow and what stood in the place of the mystical dark horse-like being was a small, innocent-looking donkey.

  With this, the woman headed to her cottage, the rest cautiously following after her.

  The woman's cottage was devoid of any personal things and just big enough for all of them to fit. It contained only a few rooms and hardly any decorations. At the center was a large table that sat on the floor and in the corners were other basic accessories like side tables, shelves, and bookcases among other things. On one corner was a perch where the bird that was previously on the woman's shoulder was sitting. It tilted its head slightly as it gazed at the group, its eyes reflecting a deep curiosity.

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  With all things considered, Drakkel would call the woman's home cozy but unwelcoming. But for one of her strength and bearing, the basic necessities probably sufficed.

  The woman casually walked to the table in the middle and sat down on the floor, observing them expectantly.

  Aurien Wavel sat first, followed by Drakkel, Rillian Adore, then the rest.

  After they were all seated, they waited for her to speak. She took one soft breath and a heavy aura settled on the room.

  “I am Ebinenda Itor.” She said.

  Drakkel’s eyes widened. This was Ebinenda Itor? The Sword master who didn’t show up to the most recent Sword Summit and the one who hadn’t made waves in the Swordfighting world for many years? But she had the appearance of one who was only around 30! Yet, her name had resounded around the world for much longer. How could this be?

  Ebinenda Itor’s eyes drifted around. “Yes, this truth must be hard to take for you all. But, I will explain as much as I am able.”

  The group, just as surprised as Drakkel calmed down with her words.

  Ebinenda Itor’s eyes darted to Drakkel.

  “Are you the child of Arcadia Luma?”

  “I am.” Drakkel replied.

  He pulled out the letter from his mother and gave it to her.

  After gazing at it for a moment, her eyelids drifted down along with the corners of her lips.

  “You really have grown...” she said.

  She handed the paper back to Drakkel and sighed.

  “Let me tell you a story…”

  “Long ago, there was a woman who hailed from the Drifting Winds Sword’s clan. This clan was a nomadic clan. They had no official manor, but would still meet together in natural habitats a few times a year and even participate in the Sword Summit.

  The clan specialized in hand techniques, choosing to train the body and soul through exposing oneself to dangerous environments and rigorous exercises. The results were great if one survived, but the start was slow and too many died.

  Though the clan was hundreds of years old, those in the present could not handle the load. They either died or quit and so, the once great clan was forced to disband not having enough members left.

  This was what was initially believed in the clan. But, in truth, this clan actually might have survived if it weren't for Demon King Fael…”

  “But, that matter was filled with unfortunate circumstances and to continue my story about the woman, I must delve into the story of another.

  Her name was Deha Funder…”