"On your left!" Shouted Arawa while simultaneously defending the right flank of their party.
In that moment under the heat of the sun, Arawa together with Naell, Owly, knights of Summer, and some hired adventurers were doing an A-rank quest. This was one of the so-called "requests" Enitma had given the duo while they were still in the Republic.
Not only would it make Naell and Owly more favorable towards the public eye, but it would also make the prince look good as many would know that it was out of friendship that they were helping with such a quest.
Of course it was tiring but for Naell, this was far better than being cooped up inside a room filled with beings that wanted to have a chat with you.
And besides, it was something Naell was quite familiar with as he often did join his teacher, Sebastian Claus way back in Beryldot on subjugation quests.
Located on the western border of the Republic were monsters that they needed to take care of. There, a mix of desert-found amphibian monsters such as the cold-blooded C-rank Buwaya were present.
Naell and Owly knew of the said monsters as they already had the opportunity to face one back when the Pieces of Lucile tried to invade Awdita. Although the kinds they fought were mutated ones which later on were classified as bordering on S-rank.
Nevertheless, Buwaya were still dangerous monsters hence good coordination was needed when clashing against them.
That was why Naell and Owly could not help but be in awe of Arawa's leadership and prowess in a battle of numbers.
Not only was she fending off monsters to their party's right, but she also sternly commanded the left flank that consisted of C-rank beginners, knights, and adventurers.
Usually, such a group would result in devastating loss considering the monsters that they were fighting were above their skills.
Yet under Arawa's command, the knights and adventurers alike were able to not just fend off the attacks, but even deal fatal blows to the Buwaya.
"Assist your pair! One parrying, one striking! Stay focused." Arawa shouted while staying true to her title "First Strike", before launching herself toward the approaching army of Desert Fishes and Sand Worms.
She then with her aura cleaved the path, producing a deep bellowing rush of wind, followed by a tidal sand wave stopping the monsters from going further in.
Even the Buwaya at her side were stopped just from the power she unleashed. Nevertheless, the monsters of Summer were sturdy, and in their habitat of loose impeding sand, they were gifted with high agility.
That was why it only took mere seconds for all the monsters to get back on their feet and all together charge at Arawa.
In response to this, she only smiled. Although it was concealed beneath her helm, all could more or less feel her unwavering aura bursting and ready to take on every creature before them.
Meanwhile, Naell and Owly were also busy assisting the soldiers and adventurers. They were told to just do the bare minimum, and to at least offer aid to those who could very well be in a bad state.
It was afterall part of the soldiers' and adventurers' training. However, that did not mean that the duo were taking it all easy as well.
While Owly was bored doing the menial task that was beginning to empty his stomach, Naell was training. This was a good time to practice the sensations he felt during the battle with Leviathan.
For every monster that would likely injure their comrade, Naell would deploy his ice magic akin to the ones he used that even the sea king was unable to react to.
Naell had been trying to reuse it all throughout their journey—the magic he used back then in their battle of life and death with Leviathan. It felt oddly different from his usual magic.
'When I used it, it was as if time stood still.'
.
.
.
Hours went by in a blink of an eye, monsters that seemed endless awhile ago were nowhere to be seen. Even the fallen bodies that were purified by the fire mages now looked more like peaceful campfires amid the setting of the sun.
"All things came pure, therefore, all shall be purified." Uttered one of the fire mages.
Soon some of the soldiers and adventurers also took part in the burial ritual.
[ All things came pure, therefore, all shall be purified. ]
"Your way of paying homage to the deceased is quite different young master."
The one who spoke was Arawa who went to where Naell was currently at. She was then greeted with a simple hello followed by, "Is that so?"
"It's no used understanding him you know, HOOT." Added Owly who was half awake by this point.
Arawa could only return a smile. She was above all curious after noticing that every now and then, during the purification process, Naell would only bow his head and close his eyes.
One could say perhaps Naell was fearful of the sight of the burning corpse, yet it seems that wasn't the case at all.
Although it was true that the rumor about him not killing an enemy was factual, one would definitely know that at this point, it was not because he was afraid.
Waiting for an answer, Arawa just stood there with Naell. After a minute of silence, he then spoke with the quietest voice that one would not catch if they were distracted.
Naell then with a smile excused himself before leaving her all by herself. She then pondered clearly after hearing his words.
And it was surprising, it kinda made sense that she could only smile back and reflect on herself as she thought, 'Afraid... huh.'