The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 96: Hidden (3)

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: ISH:1 Front Of Training Room 1#]

"Who are you?"

Morwen wanted to burst through the door and grab Valencia. Every part of him screamed at him to do it.

He turned toward the voice. In the shadows, something huge took shape. Something monstrous.

A tall, hulking figure, the silhouette barely discernible, but releasing an aura of power that rivalled even his own.

Fear, not for himself but for Valencia, ignited a cold fury within him.

Who was this intruder, this potential obstacle standing between him and his goal?

He wanted to kill this threat, this unknown person.

sha...

He almost attacked, but his magic quickly dispelled in his hands...

Morwen had known he was outnumbered, and this could blow his cover.

His disguise was good, but if this person was really powerful, they might see through it.

All he had to do was stick to the plan and just play it carefully, turning this situation to his advantage.

...

...

The tension crackled in the air. He forced himself to stand still, his presence receding back into the shadows.

He had miscalculated. This was no longer a simple snatch-and-grab operation.

Should he speak until the person is in clear view or should he just wait until he speaks once more?

tap...tap...tap...

The unknown figure moved in closer, his form becoming more distinct in the light.

"...!"

Now, Morwen could make out the faint outline of a face – a cold, emotionless mask that sent chills down his spine.

He was what all mages had feared and If it wasn't for him.

This world wouldn't know aura, A person taught by the likes of the Great Hero Garrick, who was only second to him during his prime.

The Grandmaster Of Aura... Gerrard Freya.

The Pillar of Miracles, stood before him, his presence an oppressive force that made Morwen's carefully cultivated calm falter.

Shock mixed with the fear, a twist of disbelief at this unforeseen appearance.

This man could kill him if he used aura, especially right now. Morwen was within his striking distance.

He had to escape. His mind spun, desperate plans forming and disintegrating in a matter of seconds.

As Morwen's saying goes there's always an opportunity within crisis.

STARE!

Gerrard's eyes pierced through Morwen like daggers. For a terrifying second, Morwen thought his disguise had failed.

"I won't ask again," Gerrard's voice was cold. "Who are you?"

Gerrard's voice, deceptively calm, carried the weight of a death sentence.

Gerrard just shrugged, a trace of a grin on his face.

"Can't a father check on his daughter?" He stepped further into the room, his gaze sweeping the battered training dummy.

An odd expression crossed his face as his eyes settled on Valencia, her stance stiff, her katana held oddly in front of her.

"Hmm," he mused, a hint of teasing humour in his voice. "What are you doing, Val? Trying to invent a new way to polish that dummy?"

Valencia's cheeks flushed slightly.

It was clear her father had caught her attempting to replicate Jan's aura slash – a technique she still couldn't quite grasp.

"Just...practicing some new techniques," she muttered evasively.

Gerrard chuckled, crossing his arms. "Darling, you're wasting your energy swinging at thin air. Rest is essential before a big fight."

Valencia was frustrated. She knew her dad was amazing, but sometimes he didn't understand how much she wanted to get better.

"I know that, Father," she said, trying not to sound too frustrated. "But there's always something more to learn..." Her words trailed off slightly as if trying to convince herself as much as him.

Gerrard let out a small sigh, the playful smile gone.

He walked closer and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Valencia," he said, his voice softening, "You are already skilled beyond your years. Trust in your training, in your instinct. Trying to force new techniques at the last minute will only throw you off balance."

She couldn't deny that he had a point.

Valencia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

When she opened them, she felt a little less tense.

"Okay, you're right," she admitted. "But I'm not giving up on that move!"

Her eyes sparkled with determination. That was Valencia – always fighting to be better.

Gerrard laughed a hearty rumble that filled the training room.

"Wouldn't dream of it, my sword-loving daughter," he said, tousling her hair affectionately.

"Just remember, sometimes the best preparation is simply having faith in yourself."

"Father, how many times have I told you to stop messing up my hair like that!" Valencia scolded.

Her father teased her a little more, a twinkle in his eye.

"Why? Are you trying to impress someone?"

Valencia pouted. "No!" She fixed her hair, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

BZZZZT! BZZZZT!

Just as her father was about to say something, his watch buzzed with an incoming message.

His expression shifted. "Valencia, I have to go now. I'll be watching your fight from the stands, just remember... To do your best!" He spoke, as his voice trailed off.

Gerrard quickly left the training room, his parting words remaining in the air.

Valencia waved goodbye, a mix of excitement and confidence swirling within her.

"Okay..."

_____________

Authors Notes:

- Gerrard being known as the Grandmaster Of Aura is the only user to have mastered the 3 major techniques.