Chapter 85

POV: Nikolaos Black

As I finished another gruelling day of training with Draco nii and my familia members, my body aching and covered in sweat, my mind wandered to my true passion - blacksmithing. Ever since I was a young boy, the art of crafting metal fascinated me like no other.

I remember the first time I laid my eyes on a blacksmith's workshop. The sight of molten metal being shaped and formed into various objects, the hypnotic rhythm of the hammer hitting the anvil, it was mesmerizing. From that moment on, I was hooked.

I would spend hours observing my grandparents, eagerly absorbing every detail of their craft. I would watch as they heated the metal in the forge, carefully manipulating it with well-practiced movements, transforming it into a work of art. The sheer precision and skill required to forge a simple tool or weapon left me in awe.

As I grew older, my fascination turned into a burning passion. I yearned to explore the secrets of the trade, to learn the ancient techniques passed down through generations. I studied books on metallurgy and spent every spare moment practicing my own skills while still keeping up with my adventurer training regime.

My parents and grandparents, recognizing my talent for blacksmithing, encouraged me to pursue it wholeheartedly. They supported my dreams and even arranged for me to be trained under one of their friends who was a renowned Smith called Kaijin. Under his guidance, I honed my skills, learning the intricate processes and techniques that transformed raw metal and monster parts into beautiful creations.

Blacksmithing became more than just a hobby; it became a part of my identity. The satisfaction I felt when I held a finished piece in my hand, knowing that I had brought it to life through my labor and creativity, was indescribable. The rhythmic hammering, the sizzling of the metal in the forge, it all became a soothing symphony that I couldn't resist.

Even amidst the relentless monster-fighting training, the physical exhaustion, and the constant danger we faced as adventurers, my love for blacksmithing remained strong. It provided me an escape, a way to express myself in ways that battling monsters couldn't.

So, as the day's training ended, and I wiped the sweat from my forehead, I eagerly made my way to the blacksmith's forge on the 18th floor. The heat, the smell of burning coal, and the anticipation of creating something unique filled me with a sense of calm and purpose. Though things were very pricey on the 18th floor, I made it work somehow.

For me, blacksmithing was not just a hobby; it was a means of self-expression, a way to bring beauty and functionality into the world. And as I picked up the hammer and stared into the fiery depths of the forge, I knew that there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

....

POV: Dimitra Black

It's been a few weeks since we've been on the 18th floor. The training with my familia has been unreasonably brutal, thrusting us into situations that would have killed any normal level one adventurers daily. Draco nii has high expectations of us, and for some reason, we feel compelled to meet those expectations.

I can understand the urgency, considering what we through, but we survived through the chaos brought by the evilus. The need for power is something I grasp, but the speed at which we're being pushed is somewhat ridiculous. I mean, fighting monsters that could easily turn us into meat paste daily is just absurd.

"Fwoosh!"

"Thump!"

The sound of my arrow cutting through the air and hitting a tree brings a sense of relief. Practicing my archery after training is the only thing that keeps me going. Ever since I was young, I've had a love for archery that hasn't wavered.

As I take a moment to catch my breath, I can't help but think about how far we've come. From being inexperienced adventurers to surviving battles against overwhelming odds, it's been a journey like no other. But at times, I can't help but wonder if we're pushing ourselves too hard.

The training sessions have become more intense with each passing day, and while I know it's necessary for us to grow stronger, I can't shake the feeling that we're being rushed. Perhaps it's just the pressure to prove ourselves, to live up to the expectations placed upon us. Or maybe it's the fear of facing another brush with death.

But amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains constant. The exhilaration of archery, the feeling of drawing back the bowstring and releasing it, watching the arrow soar through the air, hitting its target with precision. It's in those moments of solitude, when it's just me and my bow, that I find solace and regain my strength.

I took another deep breath, focusing my gaze on the target ahead. With determination in my eyes, I ready another arrow, allowing myself to be consumed by the calmness that comes with the act of shooting. In this world full of chaos and danger, archery is my anchor, my way of finding balance amidst the madness.

And so, I continue to practice, honing my skills day after day. Pushing myself beyond my limits, not just to meet Draco nii's expectations, but to prove to myself that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes my way. Because in the end, it's not just about surviving. It's about thriving, becoming stronger, and finding my place in this unforgiving world.

With each arrow I release, I am one step closer to that goal. And for now, that's all I need to keep going.

...….

POV: Vasiliki Black.

Fwoosh! Crack!

The sound of the wind blowing and the ice cracking filled the air as I stood there, a figure amongst the now snowy landscape. I was in the midst of practicing the concurrent chant, a skill I had learned from Celty of the Astraea familia. It had been a while since I started training, and although it was still a challenge, I was determined to master it and advance as a mage.

Concurrent chanting, to put it simply, is the ability to focus on your chant while simultaneously controlling the mana required and executing a separate action. It was a difficult technique to learn, and only a few people were known to be proficient in it. Yet, I was never one to shy away from a challenge. The pursuit of mastery was what drove me.

As I continued to chant, my mind focused on the intricate words of my spell and the flow of mana. I felt the power within me surge, an electric energy coursing through my veins. With each repetition, I could feel myself growing more attuned to the rhythm required for concurrent chanting.

The wind whipped around me, snowflakes dancing in the air in my spell domain. I could almost hear the elements themselves cheering me on, encouraging me to push further. The crackling of the ice beneath my feet seemed to echo my determination. I knew that with each practice session, I was getting closer to unlocking my true potential.

As a mage, my journey was never an easy one. It required dedication, discipline, and a thirst for knowledge. But it was a path I had chosen willingly, embracing the challenges and triumphs that came with it. With each step forward, I grew not only in skill but also in understanding of the magic that flowed through the world.

I took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air filling my lungs. The familiar chill mingled with excitement as I focused my energy. I also couldn't wait to see my growth reflected on my status when I return to the surface.