Capítulo 270: Chapter 270
Clothes were irrelevant. As long as he could feel, he could sync the experience with his memories and relive the experience as many times as he wished to. By doing so, his understanding of his movements would reflect itself in his conscious-control of his body.
Actions that were unconscious would become conscious and deliberate. Movements would become refined and imprinted in his mind. It was through this same process that he learned how to punch from Lord Shiva.
.
|DxD|
.
Souji watched Igor meditate from a distance. The veins on his forehead were bulging and his sword-arm was still twitching to skewer this annoying blonde.
Pansy? Who was a pansy? Who has noodle arms?! Who is the one failing to digest his food?! It certainly wasn't him!!! His body was still very healthy and vigorous!
Souji still wanted to get back at Igor for every insult aimed at him. Unfortunately…
Sigh…
…he did not expect Igor would suddenly stop combat without a second thought. Souji was itching to cleave him a new one, but he couldn't find it within himself to strike a man who's down. Well…not that he could strike this monster in the first place.
Just the sheer output of raw power once more made Souji realise the gap between them. Yet strangely enough, he found himself even looking forward to another round.
[He really is something alright.]
It's been so long since his blood pumped like this. For a few moments, Souji felt like he was twenty all over again. It was a shame really. He was just getting into a proper rhythm.
[I never realised I had gotten this rusty.]
Souji's fear of Igor gradually turned into respect. The past few hours of their fight made him begrudgingly agree Igor's words were true. Decades of being acknowledged as one of the greatest swordsmen had made him complacent.
[Since he's digesting his insights, let me observe mine as well.]
Souji stood up from the ground and patted the dust off his rear. The grip on his sword never slackened. It was so firm one would swear it was welded to his hand.
With slow and deliberate movements, Souji clasped the sword with both hands and took a stance.
"Hehe. I've forgotten how long it's been since I've done this."
It was the most basic stance for a downward swing. It was usually the first swing novices were taught and he did the same to Isaiah.
"This will be tiring, but I might as well pass the time meaningfully."
The veins on his arms bulged…
"Hm!"
…as a rush of youki filled him. A small trace of it leaked before it was swiftly contained in his body once more. The air around him turned sharp as if thousands of tiny swords filled it. Souji's somewhat carefree expression was replaced by one of complete focus.
He raised the sword above his head, his figure remaining rigid as iron. His arms lowered with slow movements. His arms would lower, stop, then continue to lower. He lowered his arms in stages, occasionally stopping when his arms reached chest-height before continuing lower.
At the very least, that is what the casual viewer would see. Only those with very keen perception could see that Souji was swinging his sword very quickly. His hands became literal blurs and not once did he stop nor waver.
His figure remained rigid while his arms moved wildly. It was similar to watching a badly crafted toy in action. If it wasn't for the sweat pouring out of his skin, he might truly have been considered a statue.
It was fortunate he had long since discarded his robes otherwise the temperature would've become unbearable.
And so as the sun bore down on him, Souji continued to swing his sword while Igor remained engrossed in his meditation. Two men with similar goals remained together in training and were left undisturbed in the wasteland.
Souji did not know how long Igor would meditate for, but he looked forward to another bout. That desire for improvement he once bore…he found it slowly being rekindled once more.
.
|DxD|
.
Kuoh Town, Japan
.
It was a lovely September afternoon. The harshness of the Summer sun was slowly descending into the gentler weather of Autumn.
Compared to the peaceful atmosphere between Igor and Souji in the Underworld, the one between Aurelia and Shuri was somewhat tense. Both women were together in the kitchen after an afternoon of grocery shopping.
It was fortunate Asia and Akeno weren't here to witness anything. Both girls had been sent to school with Asia being a recent enrollee.
Moments passed and Aurelia couldn't help but look at Shuri with a somewhat ambiguous gaze. It was unclear whether it was filled with annoyance or helplessness, but the former was more likely due to Shuri's words.
"I wonder what Igor would like today~."
"..."
Shuri had a perpetual smile on her face since morning. The casual conversation she had with Igor along with the extra attention she gave to him was not lost on the silverette.
Igor naturally told her what happened between the both of them yesterday, yet Aurelia was unsure of exactly what to feel, especially today.
"Shuri-sama."
"Hm?"
Shuri closed a cupboard behind her and turned to face Aurelia.
"Yes, Aurelia-san?"
"..."
There was no subtle way of broaching this question. It was somewhat redundant, but Aurelia had to know.
"Shuri-sama. Do you intend on pursuing my lord?"
"If you will allow it, yes."
Shuri answered without a flicker of hesitation. Her 'yes' was humble, but her eyes certainly were not. She met Aurelia's gaze with unwavering resolve.
For a moment, there was an intangible silence between them. Aurelia could not find any words to say under such an answer. It wouldn't be wrong to say she wasn't happy about Shuri's words. But what could she say?
Yet it seemed Shuri could guess her thoughts with ease.
"I know this will be uncomfortable for you and I sincerely apologise, Aurelia-san. Igor is someone you care about and I fully understand that, but I will not let this opportunity leave me."
Shuri's words were heavy, so heavy they crushed the air between them like a balloon underneath a hydraulic press. It seemed Shuri wasn't willing to skirt around the issue and it left Aurelia feeling a bit overtaken.
This was especially so when Shuri respectfully inclined her head.
"Please don't take this away from me."
"..."
Aurelia was momentarily left tongue-tied. Shuri's sincerity jumbled her emotions so much she found herself opening her mouth only to close it again. What could she say? Perhaps…no?
"Shuri-sa-"
"I know you made love to him last night."
"?!"
Aurelia's shock was palpable. It was impossible that she'd be found out. Not just her, Igor's perception alone would make it impossible for anyone to spy on them and her barriers would make sure no sound would leave.
So…
"How?"
Aurelia found herself absentmindedly asking.
"Aurelia-san."
A small smile formed on Shuri's face as she raised her head.
"We are both women, you know? I can see it in your eyes. You can remove the scent, clean the sheets, and tidy yourself as many times as you want, Aurelia-san. But you can't hide that sparkle in your eye."
Shuri spoke fondly.
"I see it every morning we're together. You smile for the whole morning, only restraining yourself when Igor comes in. But you cannot hide your fondness for him."
"..."
Aurelia felt embarrassed at how she was being viewed like an open book. Shuri actually knew they were doing 'that' everyday.
"Aurelia-san. I'm not shaming you."
She didn't know when, but Shuri was already standing in front of her. Aurelia was taller by some margin due to her genes, but she couldn't help but feel short under Shuri's ambiguous gaze.
"Shuri-sama. We shouldn't discuss such shameful things like this."
Aurelia was hasty to redirect the topic from her. Discussing matters of the bedroom was something she was uncomfortable with.
"..."
Unfortunately, Shuri's silence could mean she didn't agree on the matter. The way she looked at Aurelia was silent, yet discerning. In the end, a weak smile spread on her face.
"I envy you, Aurelia-san."
Aurelia truly had it well with Igor. There was no disputing the connection between them. Both treasured each other immensely…and Shuri wished for that too.
"Aurelia-san."
Slowly, she took a step back before she decisively bowed ninety-degrees.
"I formally ask for your permission to pursue Igor. I yearn for the joy you experience and I also wish to experience his love. I wish to possess the same eyes as yours and know how it feels to be held by him. Feel free to hate me, scorn me, and curse me. I will willingly endure it all. But please allow me to pursue him fairly."
'Fairly'…Shuri's words were clear. She wished for an honest chance at earning his affection without Aurelia jeopardising her efforts. Her position was very fragile. Aurelia could legitimately destroy all her attempts by simply telling Igor how Shuri felt about him.
With how Igor was, he would immediately deny Shuri's affections and the only lifeline to anything more would be cut off permanently.
"I promise I will not use uncouth means to win his affections. I will not use potions, magic, or any other supernatural means. I shall rely on my own efforts and if he is to…reject me, I hope it will not be due to external influence, but my own failure."
"..."
Aurelia did not respond. But there was a thought in her mind. She, from the bottom of her heart, wished to say…no.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder