Taming The Villainesses

The old wolf Tasagan, worn out by age and years of battles, lacked the energy to share her stories in one go. She needed to pause often, spreading out her tales over several days.

This meant that if I wanted to hear more about the story of the nymph and Isaiah, I’d have to stay with the wolf pack for a while.

But simply waiting around would be a waste of time.

“Alright, let’s train.”

With that, I readily accepted Kubilai’s offer to train in immortal art.

I had always been interested in the strange ability used by these giant beasts.

My Rank 7 magic, Magic Bullet Tathlum, was impressive, but anyone who had seen Kubilai heal his pierced wounds would be curious.

If I could use that regenerative ability, my strength would undoubtedly skyrocket. Perhaps I could even regenerate the lifespan lost while using great magic.

This would certainly help me in my plan to take down and conquer Aira, who grows stronger by the day.

Mufufufu—

Just imagining the looks on Aira’s, Elga’s, and Mirna’s faces after getting back at them… I couldn’t hold in my chuckle.

At that moment, Kubilai spoke.

━First, there are two paths in the way of cultivation. The first is the external arts and body-strengthening. This is about tempering the body like iron and rock to reach the state of immortality. Starting is easy but difficult to reach the end.

Kubilai described immortal art as the way of cultivation. The techniques of immortals and spirits were not goals in themselves but tools to achieve immortality.

It seemed similar to the path of magic in pursuit of ultimate truth.

━The second path involves harnessing various arts and power of nature to perform miracles. This path is harder to start, but once you get a feel for it, you can make amazing progress.

So the first path enhances physical abilities.

And the second path cultivates special abilities?

I recalled the difference between Elga and Mirna. Elga focused literally on refining her physical prowess, while Mirna cultivated unique abilities to increase her versatility.

A pretty fitting analogy, if I do say so myself.

━While some dedicate themselves to one method, most train in both areas. Still, everyone has a side they naturally lean towards. First, we’ll need to assess which fits you better.

Seukseuk-.

I could feel the giant wolf’s eyes scanning me from head to toe.

At Kubilai’s gesture, wolves appeared from somewhere nearby, carrying heavy stones tied with braided ropes. They placed these stones on my arms and head.

━You’re clearly the type suited for special abilities. The training will be challenging, but I’m more skilled in this than in physical strengthening, so it’s just as well.

At Kubilai’s gesture, wolves appeared from somewhere nearby, carrying heavy stones tied with braided ropes. They placed these stones on my arms and head.

━First, meditation. Sit cross-legged for an hour with these stones attached and focus on the energy of nature.

“What’s with the stones? Didn’t you say this wasn’t physical training?”

━Stamina comes first, no matter what. Without a strong foundation, the effectiveness of meditation diminishes significantly.

It feels like a reckless training session that doesn’t feel professional at all. Can I really learn the arts with something like this?

* * *

As time passed, evening arrived.

Dragging our weary bodies after all the training from the morning, Stella and I stepped into the cabin. Though old, the cabin had a roof and walls, so it was reasonably comfortable.

“I don’t have any strength left in me.”

After the exhausting training, Stella was so drained she could barely move a finger. She just laid down on a mat on the floor without even bothering to eat dinner.

I was in the same state, of course.

Every muscle in my body was screaming in pain, and I could already tell that my whole body would be sore tomorrow morning.

It reminded me of the training I used to endure under Elga. Now that I think about it, there were some similarities between Elga’s training and Kubilai’s.

Could there be a connection?

I wasn’t sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Elga’s and the Lioness family’s superhuman physical abilities had origins in this ancient immortal art. In fact, it might actually be the case.

Of course, if it were Elga, she’d probably just say, “No need for explanations; I’m just strong,” and leave it at that.

Thinking along those lines made me wonder what Elga might be doing now. It’s been days since I headed north, and more days since I ended up beyond the wall.

This was the first time I’ve been out of contact for so long.

Was this what long-distance relationships were like?

Being so far apart makes me wonder what everyone’s up to.

With that thought, I decided to use the tail to call Marmar. As soon as I did, it was as if Marmar had been waiting.

「Comrade! I’ve been waiting for you! Have you been well?」

「For the most part. There have been some things, but I’m doing okay.」

I briefly explained what happened. After listening, Marmar marveled,「Talking with animals? That’s amazing!」

I think I’ve covered most of what’s happened to me.

「Now, Marmar, tell me what’s going on on your side. Is everyone doing well? They’re not causing any trouble, are they? Any word from the royal capital? From the Queen or Elga?」

At my string of questions, Marmar seemed to pause in thought for a moment. Then, as if something had clicked or she’d remembered something, she exclaimed.

「Armed soldiers are gathering in Sandora and nearby cities! They seem to be organizing an extermination squad to recapture Dolnar Citadel!」

Dolnar Citadel?

That’s a name I’ve never heard before. For someone like me, who knows the names of most places in the Angmar Kingdom, not recognizing it means only one thing.

It’s beyond the wall.

The soldiers of Angmar Kingdom are preparing to advance into the lands beyond the wall.

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

[T/N: rigid body art changed to body-strengthening]