Chapter 10z The Power of a Witch
In the back garden of the castle, David began his daily practice of the Frostwolf Breathing Technique.
Although his training with Amy had granted him a basic ice elemental affinity, David decided to focus his energy on knightly cultivation for now. His immediate goal was to break through to Tier 3.
Winter was fast approaching, bringing with it the looming refugee crisis. Even if Frostwolf Ridge weathered the influx of displaced people, they still faced the ever-present threat of the Icebear family.
To secure his family and territory against these dangers, David needed to reach Tier 4—Earth Knight level—as quickly as possible.
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As he practiced, he methodically executed the stances and synchronized his breathing.
With each exhale and inhale, the energy of his recently awakened Frost Giant Wolf bloodline coursed through his body.
The technique's stances and breathing patterns leveraged his bloodline to temper every part of his body. His blood surged with vitality, and the energy eventually settled in the heart region, where his Frostwolf bloodline resided.
Whoosh, whoosh—
This time, as he finished his breathing technique, a chill filled the air around him.
David's body became shrouded in frost, and with his eyes closed, he could feel the icy elemental energy gathering around him.
"Frostwolf Ice Armor!"
With a thought, David activated one of the secret techniques of the Frostwolf Breathing Technique.
The frosty aura clinging to his skin began to crystallize, forming a protective ice armor over his body.
Staring at the shimmering ice armor covering him, David couldn't hide his astonishment.
Frostwolf Ice Armor was a skill typically only available to Tier 4 knights, as it required harnessing the icy power within the Frost Giant Wolf bloodline. Yet, thanks to his newly acquired ice elemental affinity, David had managed to unlock this ability prematurely.
With the Frostwolf Ice Armor enhancing his defense, David felt confident that even at Tier 2, he could face and defeat Tier 3 knights.
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"No wonder the Church suppresses witches so aggressively," David mused, marveling at the newfound strength he had gained from Amy.
It became clear to him why the Church sought to control the spread of witches. The immense power they could bestow on others posed a direct threat to the Church's authority and the feudal nobility.
However, this world seemed to be experiencing a decline in magic, akin to a "late mystical era."
On this continent, Tier 6 knights were already considered the pinnacle of strength, and those above Tier 7 were almost mythical, earning the title of legends. They had nearly vanished from existence.
Powerful wizards had also disappeared, leaving behind only witches who awakened their powers through sheer will and the remnants of weak wizard apprentices.
Though a semblance of the wizarding system remained, the witches and apprentices of today would have been mere novices in a bygone era.
"Wizards…" David murmured to himself, resolve shining in his eyes.
He was determined to walk the path of a wizard while continuing to cultivate his knightly strength.
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With a deep breath, David dismissed the Frostwolf Ice Armor and strode back to the castle, driven by a newfound urgency to train harder.
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A month passed in the blink of an eye.
Amy gradually grew accustomed to life in the castle. Though she remained confined to the tower, the Frostwolf family's extensive library provided her with plenty to occupy her time.
Books were an extraordinary luxury in this era. Even Amy, as a witch, had rarely had access to such a wealth of knowledge. The vast collection of the former rulers of the north filled her with joy.
This shared passion for learning brought David and Amy closer.
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[You have completed a session of training with your wife. Ice Elemental Affinity +23.]
[Ice Elemental Affinity: Basic (886/1000)]
At the beginning of their sessions, David's ice elemental affinity would increase by about 10 points per session. Now, after a month, each session consistently granted over 20 points.
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After another session, David held the blushing young witch in his arms as she rested her head against his chest.
The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled Amy into a peaceful state.
For the first time since becoming a witch, Amy felt truly at ease.
With David's protection, she no longer had to constantly look over her shoulder. She enjoyed delicious treats and immersed herself in books she had never dreamed of reading.
What had once been mere fantasy was now her reality.
Unconsciously, Amy's fingers traced gentle patterns across David's chest, stirring his emotions.
"Tired?" David asked softly.
"Let me take care of you this time," he murmured, lifting her into his arms.
Amy gasped as David tightened his hold, his strength overwhelming her.
Though she tried to protest, David's intensity left her breathless. Finally, after her whispered pleas, the two ended their exchange and fell into an intimate silence.
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Nestled in David's arms, Amy's face flushed red with embarrassment, her breathing unsteady.
David brushed a hand through her silver hair, a gentle smile on his lips.
Amy felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry… I feel like I haven't done enough as your wife."
After a pause, she shyly added, "Maybe… maybe Leah could join us next time…"
Her face burned crimson as she spoke, her words barely audible.
Amy, though naturally reserved, wanted to support David however she could. Her suggestion, while embarrassing, came from a place of genuine care.
"Really?" David's eyes lit up in delight.
For the past month, he had alternated his nights between Amy and Leah. While the idea of sharing an evening with both had crossed his mind, he had refrained, knowing Amy's shy nature.
He hadn't expected her to suggest it herself.
"Mm-hmm," Amy replied softly, her sincerity evident.
She had come to trust David deeply and wanted to do whatever she could to make him happy.
For Amy, who had never envisioned marriage or a family, her life now felt richer and more fulfilling than ever.
David gently kissed her forehead. "Amy, I promise to cherish you even more from now on."
That night, David he
ld her close, doing nothing but letting her rest in his arms. Exhausted, Amy fell into a deep sleep, her face peaceful and content.