19 LIGHT: PART III

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Athena, Serfred, Tycho and a few men gather as they prepare to hunt for some food. The men were all shocked to find out that they'll be heading to one of the Northern Regions deadly forest. But, since they were able to return with some food last time and were unharmed. They did not worry, but put their life and trust in them. Despite it being the first time they'll be going with them, they still feel a bit anxious no matter how much they know nothing will happen.

Amongst them were two young able men who surprisingly had a strong mana on them which Athena sense.

It's been a few days since the villagers started training with Serfred and she notices quite a few of them have a strong level of man, which means they have a chance to possess a magic ability. She particularly observed these two young men, since both of them had the same level of mana.

Since the day she has started sensing mana, Athena has been practicing her magic as hard as possible by healing the people at the same time, restoring the lands near Diana's home.

The group of men were still not familiar with Athena so they stayed a few distance away from her, they didn't even approach her nor talk to her. It's just, since they've never seen what she looked like. They've decided it was not appropriate for them to suddenly just approach her. Especially since Serfred calls her "My Lady", but Tycho calls her "Tina" it's been a bother to them how they should address her.

"Tycho, how's the repair going?" Athena asked as she had not checked.

"Everything is going well, I've assigned someone in charge since I'm here with you all." Tycho explained.

"It would be good if you train someone to be your assistant as a blacksmith, it won't be long when the men in the village will be all capable men to fight."

"Hmm, they are improving day by day. I'm impressed that some of them are able to master my teaching only in days." Serfred added.

"You're right, I ask the people in the village later if any of them are interested in being my apprentice."

"Seeing that they are able to accompany us today, means they have completed the first stage of their training. I'm well impressed…" Athena complemented the men behind them whose face were all red as they heard what the girl said.

"Heard that, she's proud of us."

"When I get back, I'm going to work hard on my swings."

"Ha-ha, I'll always be much better than you though."

Once they arrived near the outskirts of the forest, the men who were behind them started feeling unwell.

"Hmm, seems like the malice aura the forest is emitting is greater than yesterday."

"We did kill a monster which means the other monsters are aware of it."

The reason why Athena day by day visits the forest was so despite they still have some food it because she needed to train her magic ability. She would ask Serfred to fight the monster and if he got injured, she would cast a healing spell on him as soon as possible. But sadly, she is unable to cast spells that quick yet.

However, thanks to the training she is putting herself in. Her mana has greatly increased as well and she started noticing her aura forming. Which is a great sign because it means, she'll be able to fight as well.

"It won't be long as well for you to recover too, Serfred." Athena said as the man aura appeared briefly when they went hunting.

The girl thought about what she learnt and realized she is still lacking more knowledge about the vast unknown in regards to magic.

Aura is something important as well. I learnt from Serfred that those who use magic for combat normally have an aura. For those combat mages, magic fighters and combat healer, they need an aura. The reason for this is because it will boost their ability. It's like drinking an elixir, but has a longer limit, something it's an infinite boost. Unlike mana that has a limit, once a person learns to control their aura, there is no limit to it. But, its level of strength will depend on the person's level of mana. Learning about mana and aura has confused me greatly, since the fact, there are those who possess a strong aura yet have a low mana.

A good example of this is the crown prince. He has such a low mana and can hardly use magic, but has a strong aura. It made me curious as to whether it has something to do. He is the son of the Emperor. Since, the current emperor is a very powerful magic fighter just like my father.

"My Lady, is something wrong?"

Athena turns her head from side to side, as she continues to ponder on things relating to magic, mana, and aura.

"We're here." Tycho announced as he left the cart at its usual spot.

The men who were having a hard time went to Tycho as they informed him.

"Tycho, I'm sorry, but I feel like my chest is on fire."

"Same, it feels like my heart is being crushed."

Out of the five people that accompanied them, only two were fine.

'As she expected, they do have strong mana then. Which means, it won't be long for them to possess an aura too.' Athena thought to herself as she wonders how she'll help the two improve faster when she herself doesn't know much about it.

"They can stay if they can't handle it, those who are fine,and if you want, you can follow us." Athena said as she cast a spell on those who were having a hard time with the malice aura the forest was emitting.

Not only has she improved her magic, but also learnt some support spells which Healers normal use. Thanks to Father Roland, the girl was able to find out one of the priests is actually a combat Healer. Since then, she has trained with him, but has not improved much.

In the end, everyone followed them. Since they know there was a reason why they were brought along.

"Tina, there." Tycho pointed at the wild boar that was trying to run away.

Serfred handed the girl, her bow with an arrow. The men along them watched carefully as to what the girl was about to do. Like Serfred, Athena was trying to improve her skills in archery as well, at the same time, she hopes to infuse it with magic.

"Look."

It was brief but they notice an aura, appearing around the girl's hands. They were all speechless and amazed to witness such magic.

"Does that mean she's a combat healer?"

"Impossible, she's a Divine Healer."

They gossip with each other as they realize the girl's magic ability has surpassed their knowledge about magic. It was not only them who was surprised, Tycho and Serfred too were surprised at first. But, seeing all sorts of magic the girl was able to do. They have come to the conclusion to never be surprised again.

As she closed her eyes and breath in calmly, she imagined the arrow to be surrounded with fire. As the arrow flew in the air to strike the boar, Athena was once again disappointed.

'It didn't work.' She sighs desperately, but was right away consulted by Serfred.

"Don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it."

"Hmm." Athena checked her hand and as usual they were trembling. It's been days yet her body is still not used to all this extreme work.

"That was amazing."

"How did you do that?"

"What are really a Divine Healer?"

Athena was startled. The men suddenly approached her and started questioning and praising her at the same time. She could only smile at them and instead of answering their questions, she said: "You all can do it soon, I've sensed mana in you and it won't be long for you to possess magic. What magic you'll practice is up to you, but, you must use it to help those who are weak and not use it to your benefit."

"Really, you mean I can be a magic swordsman."

"Then, I want to be a combat mage."

"Nah, I want to be like Tina, a magic archer."

Athena giggled as she said, "Well, why don't you help Tycho first before thinking of what magic ability you want."

"Ah, so you guys still know I'm here." Tycho complained who was dragging the large boar to the cart.

"Ah-"

There it was again, that light, what is it?

There this light which has been causing Athena a great confusion. It was the same light she notices at the plants at Diana's house.