The Foxgirl's Suggestions and the Mage's Trial I

Ancestra looked at Haruka as if she was insane. Of course it made sense, it was just the sudden suggestion that threw her off. So much for being "strongest when calm."

"…okay?" was all Ancestra could respond with. She took both parchments with her left hand.

"The only thing you need to hide is your arm, since we don't know what it is and its extent. What have you noticed of your arm so far?" asked Haruka, standing up.

"It seems that every time I touch a living thing, which may or may not apply to people, my right arm removes and absorbs all the blood from them. I think it converts it into strength." Ancestra explained her observations.

'…wait.' And with it, now that she vocalized it, things started to click and make sense.

"You look like you figured some things out. Care to let me in on it?" Haruka smiled, amused at Ancestra's expression as it changed.

"The last thing I knew before Sinsear left was that I was soaked with my mother and father's blood. I remember my dad being able to manipulate blood, but never showed it to me. Mom told me about it since I wanted to know more about him." Ancestra explained further.

"And correlating that with what you said…" Haruka added.

"I also woke up to nothing there. My friends, Johannes, my Mom, Dad, and countless bodies of demons were there before I passed out." Ancestra clasped her hands together.

"…which means your ability manifested, draining and devouring all trace of organic life there and giving it to you when you needed it the most." Haruka concluded.

"Mmm… it makes sense, right?" asked Ancestra, feeling unsure.

"It lines up, at least." affirmed Haruka.

"I shook the hands of the guards when they gave me access to the kingdom, but it didn't affect them. When I touched the animals, however, it worked." Ancestra was ushered to stand up, following Haruka.

"Hmmm… I wonder if your ability manifests as something tangible." Haruka pondered, opening the door to let Ancestra out first before she closed it.

"I'm not sure… but I've been thinking too much, and my brain is a little exhausted." Ancestra held the side of her head, her mind feeling a little lightheaded.

"You might want to have a soak in the bath first, before anything else." Haruka chuckled.

"…yeah, even I know I smell like dried blood." Ancestra sighed with a smile.

"Oh, finally! I thought you're gonna take longer." Deb greeted the two girls as they got to the counter. The male mage had a large pouch of coins in hand.

"Ancy, here's your payment for all the animals you brought!" Deb happily handed her the heavy pouch, with Ancestra taking it with ease.

"O-Oh, thank you! Your name was Sir Deb… was it?" Ancestra stuttered, surprised at Deb's sudden appearance even when he explicitly called out to them.

"Don't be so polite, it's suffocating. Just call me Deb, I insist." The tall male smiled calmly, Ancestra blushing. Her bandaged hand was fidgeting, not sure what to do.

"O-okay, Deb…" Ancestra muttered, with Deb chuckling softly. He ran his hand on her slightly spiky raven hair. The feeling was warm, and her stomach felt like it had butterflies in them.

"Oi." Haruka sharply commented, slapping Deb's hand off of Ancestra's hair.

"Don't target underaged girls. Lia would be fuming if she saw you." Haruka admonished Deb with a far more dangerous look in her eyes.

"Whaaat? What's with a little kindness to the newcomer?" Deb asked, feigning confusion.

"You've been doing it to every single girl in this damned guild that you fancy. You're driving them away, you damn pedophile." Haruka sharply berated the mage.

"…fair." Deb sighed, removing his hand on Ancestra.

"I'm disgusted that you gave up so easily." Haruka sighed.

"Can you guys thank Miss Elspeth for me? I'd like to be on my way now, I want to take a bath and get some rest. It's been countless days for me, and I think I'm at my limit…" Ancestra asked, sighing and yawning.

"Perfect timing! I've to get back to my flower shop, and the public bathhouse is just on the way." Deb clapped his hands in unison.

"Please don't hit on a 14-year-old child, Deb. I beg of you." Haruka pleaded seriously, looking at him with disappointment.

"Why would I?! You have too little faith in me, Haruka." Deb sighed, feeling helpless underneath the foxgirl's serious gaze.

"I-I'll be in your care, Deb…" Ancestra breathed in and out, recomposing herself. The two then went out of the guild. Ancestra paid the driver who was waiting outside an extra hundred gold for keeping him waiting.

"…the fuck kinda scene was that?" A harsh, monotone and childish voice rings out beside Haruka.

"I can't even begin to give you an answer, Elspeth." sighed Haruka.

The mage and the girl then come to know each other as they took a leisurely brisk walk, taking in the scenery and the humble bustle of the kingdom's wide road. Dragon and horse carriages come and pass by with cargo every now and then. Stalls stocked to the brim with produce and trinkets being crowded with people. The buildings surrounding Ancestra were far larger than she's ever seen, and the curiosity in her eyes cannot be contained. Deb felt like he was chaperoning a child, which he was already accustomed with. Soon, Ancestra was led to the public bathhouse, which Deb had promised.

Parting ways, Ancestra gave herself a thorough cleaning, especially her long and messy raven hair. After that, she enjoyed a good small buffet in a local restaurant that the male had recommended her on the way to the bathhouse. She ends the day by sleeping in for the afternoon all the way for one day. Waking up to get another hefty breakfast with her saved money, she visited Haruka in Guild Senida for a few questions.

Having no idea where to go, where to buy other foodstuffs, and generally just about anything else, Ancestra digested as much information she got from both Deb and Haruka about the places around the city. She bought herself a new pair of clothes, armor that suited her movement, and weapons that suit her way of approaching things. One day, Ancestra came over to Haruka for a few things concerning her second goal: to train.

"Do you guys know of anyone that practices hand to hand combat?" Ancestra brings up the question. The two look at each other, thinking of only three people who could train her.

"Ye Qiu, the Failure." Haruka said.

"Cassandra Shin, the Firebird." Deb followed.

"…that answers who. Where can I find them?" asked the girl.

"Nowhere." Haruka responded.

"What do you mean?" asked the girl again, confused.

"They exist in a realm stuck in time. It won't be easy to intrude with those type of forces. Maybe as a last resort and a surefire way to train you." said Haruka, seemingly not too keen on this idea.

"How about trying me?" Deb suggested with a smile, seemingly confident.

"Are you sure, Deb?" asked Haruka, a little hesitant.

"I'm sure Ancy would be able to defeat me, right? It'll be a good refresher course for me too." Deb stretched his body.

"I'm not confident, but I can do my best." Ancestra smiled, nervous. She doesn't know what to expect from Deb, since she doesn't know what type of mage the male is.

"If you're both in on it, then sure…" Haruka still feeling unsure if this is a good idea, she agrees.

"Then let's get ready. Let's meet back here after an hour. Is that alright, Ancy?" Deb suggested, looking at the girl for her answer.

"Sounds fine to me." She smiled. Her heart started beating a little louder. This is her first ever combat after gaining so much power.

For more than one reason, she feels nervous. The Rose firmly gripped her heart.