The wind rushed in, neighboring air flowing toward her body.

She was going to use that same spell again? Interesting.

I wondered what her plan was this time. The Gale Shroud was a defensive spell more than anything. I couldn't imagine how she planned to win with it. Sure, it worked in her favor before but that was mostly because of the surprise factor when it expanded, and because I hadn't known it was a spell that had dual functions back then.

But now? Rose wouldn't be caught off guard so easily.. right?.

I still couldn't tell if that woman was purely a wind specialist or if she had other elements hidden up her sleeve, but for now, Astraya's best move was to work with what she knew: Rose had only used air-based attacks so far. I just hoped Astraya could find a way around them.

While I was lost in thought, the wind began to circle my sister, forming a sphere. She was visible within it — a quick, rotating shield of wind. The Gale Shroud: twin layers of air rotating in opposite directions to maintain balance and stability.

"Awwwn, little girl's on the defensive!" Rose called out, her tone dripping with mock pity. "That doesn't look fair at all; I almost feel bad for you now." Tell you what — admit defeat, and I'll let your dad and brother go. How's that for me being generous, huh?"

The cloaked figures chuckled from different spots around the clearing, clearly amused. They definitely had some personal grudge against Astraya. What had Dad told them about her?

Astraya said nothing for a moment, then simply pointed her finger.

"You've been running your mouth for too long, old lady. Let's get this over with."

"Old lady?!" Rose snapped. "I'm clearly sixteen! Why, you—"

Yeah, sure. She definitely didn't look sixteen. Maybe it was my bias, but she gave off the vibe of someone older — confident, curvy, and built like someone's mother. The way her chest stood out didn't help either.

I could've sworn I saw a vein pop in Rose's neck. Her irritation boiled over.

"Fine! Let's see what's so special about you!" she barked. Her eyes glowed white, and the fight began.

Vwoomp!

A massive gust followed as the first arrow launched a projectile made of compressed air, slicing through the field at frightening speed.

At first glance, there was nothing particularly unique about them. Compressed air arrows something even I could create with enough focus. Astraya should've had no problem with that. Piercing Shot from Morad had a similar nature, and it packed serious power.

But when the arrow hit—

BOOM!

The impact thundered through the ground.

No way... that arrow carried that much force?

Dust exploded outward, covering everything. I squinted, waiting for it to clear. Then — a cough.

Astraya.

As the dust thinned, I saw her on the ground dirt clinging to her outfit, her hair tousled and messy. My chest tightened.

No way. That one arrow had shattered her Gale Shroud? Just one?

I glanced at Rose — she wasn't even breaking a sweat. Her arrows weren't light-speed fast, but the sheer pressure packed into them was unreal. And she still had plenty more. This wasn't looking good.

I was about to rush toward my sister when Father's voice cut through straight to my ears.

"No, Astraga! This isn't your fight. Let her stand on her own. She needs to learn. Training with your mother made her underestimate the power scale — she must understand there are people far above her level."

Tsk. I hated that he was right. Watching her like this felt wrong — every instinct screamed at me to step in. But deep down, I knew what Father meant.

Still... watching my sister struggle like that?

Yeah. shit was about to get real.

The impact of the arrow against her Gale Shroud was too much for Astraya to handle. The shockwave burst through her defenses, hurling her backward.

"Astraya, come on… think of something good," I muttered under my breath

Astraya, come on, think of something good, I hoped.

Rose spoke with total confidence. "You still have a lot to learn. Just because the arrow isn't the size of a tower bell doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Now, are you ready to accept your defeat?" She smirked. "My offer is still on the table. Take it. Don't be too stubborn."

Astraya coughed as she rose to her feet, dusting herself off. "No, I don't need your offer," she said, her tone calm and defiant. "Sorry it's a bad habit from training.I always like seeing what the opponent has to offer first before I make my move. "

Her gaze sharpened. "Now watch me win."

Voices started to change; the cloaked men began to murmur, and it sounded as if they admired my sister's confidence.

Astraya stood still. She wasn't elegant one bit; her whole attire looked like she had been run over and spun around, but her focus was steel as she stared down at Rose, her eyes glowing white. This was familiar, just like in the practice match she was finally going on the offensive. She wasn't casting a spell.

Three orbs formed behind her. A familiar pattern, Astraya? I hope you aren't going to repeat tactics again. The balls were roughly the size of yoga balls, which then doubled in size as they fully materialized. The sun beat down on us; its afternoon heat was unbearable and only added to the tension building up.

"Gale Shroud," Astraya spoke again

I frowned. The same move again?

The same move again? It was a solid defense, but against those wind arrows? It wouldn't hold. Why try it again? Why try it again, Sister?

Astraya stood still, chest rising and falling fast. She looked like someone who'd just finished a hundred-meter sprint gasping, focused, waiting. Waiting for what? She should act fast, but she wasn't.

"Why is she waiting?" I said aloud.

Father glanced at me. "Maybe she's just catching her breath?"

Then, amidst the whole tension, something familiar—a familiar wind—gathered beside me. A breeze, light at first, brushed against my arm. But it wasn't natural wind. Its flow had intention, direction… awareness. It grew stronger, circling me in gentle spirals. My skin prickled. This wasn't air shaped by natural means this was alive.

Then I heard it. A whisper—no, a voice, clear now—carried itself.

"Ahem., It's called strategizing, let her think… Geez."

I froze. The words brushed my ear like someone speaking inches from me. I immediately turned 360 degrees. The hell? No one stood nearby, only Father and the cloaked men who were clearly in on the test.

"Your sister's doing her best… impressive, if I'm being honest. Give her time, let's see what she can do."

My heartbeat stumbled. I turned, scanning again and again.

Father now turned to me and smirked. "Hahaha, how long are you going to keep torturing my son, Ghost? Come out, let him see you."

I turned to Father. "Huh? You can hear the voice, too?"

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