Offense

"Alexjin, you must put in mind that losing is not on your list, no matter what happened, you must win and get what you want," Geraldine whispered into his ears as she cupped his cheeks closer.

"Yes master, I'll do my best," Alexjin said with determination as he hurriedly grabbed his wooden sword and went to the clearing to practice swordsmanship.

After she succeeded in manipulating the boy, her eyes shone a cold glint but she managed to hide it very well without him noticing anything wrong, "I hope you'll really do your best, my dear Alexjin."

Geraldine went to her room's basement and grabbed the mixture of poison she made and used it as tea, feeling the juices warms her body as the poison started to blend with her mana. She has been drinking it for a while and she could feel her bodybuilding a resistance to the poison that's why from time to time, she increases the dosage.

"I think I would be able to get the butterflies sooner than expected."

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After a week of Alexjin's training, Geraldine has been observing him silently from afar and noticed that he improved a lot but the level of his skill is certainly not a beginner which she doesn't mind.

"Aurelie, I saw something on Alexjin's nape--" Before she could continue what she wanted to say, a loud gasp escaped Aurelie's mouth and hurriedly tried to cover it with her hand. Her calm facial expression change into a tense, anxious one as her eyes diverted to a different direction in order not to meet Geraldine's gaze.

"Aurelie?" Geraldine called for her but Aurelie remained standing with her back facing her before she slowly turns around with cold sweat dripping on her forehead.

"I-It's a b-birthm-mark," Aurelie stuttered while looking down at her fidgeting hands. She looks extremely nervous that makes Geraldine suspicious that the mark on Alexjin's nape isn't actually a normal birthmark.

"Is there something wrong? You can tell me," She smiled and tried to be as innocent as if she doesn't sense any suspicion from her.

"It's no-nothing haha," Aurelie wipes her sweat and sighs in relief, "I'll be making some refreshments, excuse me, young lady," She added and hurriedly walked away to avoid Geraldine.

A smile raised on Geraldine's lips as she finds the events interesting as if she's unlocking new scenes in a game, "I guess, I'll just have to find it out myself... Interesting."

Leaving the room, Geraldine went outside to go to Alexjin who's bathing in sweat and saw multiple broken wooden swords at the side. The straw doll that he used to practice was battered to pieces and needed a replacement.

As soon as she stepped two meters away from him, Alexjin instantly raised his sword and swiftly swung it towards her and stopping directly at her neck, "Master!" He muttered but the wooden sword remained at her neck.

Geraldine smiled as if there's nothing happened, "How's the training?" She asked with the most innocent smile she can muster.

"Master, I've hurt you. I apologize!! I'll accept any punishment you'll give me," Alexjin retreated his wooden sword and nail to the ground with his head bowed down.

With a knowing look, Geraldine softly caresses his silver hair, "I know you don't want to hurt me but instead..... You wanted to kill me," As soon as she muttered those words. Alexjin became stiff and in panic mode.

"Master, I would never harm nor wanting to kill you! You're very important to me master!" He pleaded desperately and his eyes twinkled with tears forming in them.

Geraldine stayed silent as she wipes away the tears that were about to fall, she holds both of his hands and pulls him up.

"Let's practice, shall we?" She took the wooden sword that was pierced on the ground and brings it with her. Alexjin was stunned at first but then hurriedly grabbed the other two pairs of wooden swords when he understands the situation.

As they are facing each other, Alexjin extended the new sword he got, "Master, please use this clean wooden sword instead of that one, it was dirty and full of sweat."

"No, use both of the swords instead, you're gonna practice wielding two swords today as it will be a great advantage when the competition began," She said with a smile and gestured to Alexjin to ready his battle stance.

"What do you think is best? Offense or defense when you face your enemy?" She asked as they circled each other.

"Defense master, you need to protect yourself from his attacks first then when you know his style, you can use it as an advantage and take offense," Alexjin said confidently.

A chuckle came out of her mouth, "Indeed, it would be a great tactic but what if your enemy can change his fighting style from one skill to another or before you learn his technique, you're already at the losing end. By the time you take offense, you'll be losing the fight and might die," Geraldine explained then she positioned herself with her sword pointing at him, "Offense is always the best defense Alexjin, remember that."

As soon as she finished talking, she instantly launched an attack, surprising Alexjin with her boost of power. He instantly went to defend himself and took a couple of steps back.