Liberation of The Slaves

Chapter 129 – Flying!?

“Nice one, darling! You’ve finally mastered the first form of Pyrolume Swordcraft!”

Len’s voice rang with pride as she turned toward me, her silver hair swaying lightly with the motion. A faint heat still lingered around my blade as I approached her, the afterglow of fire aura slowly dissipating into the air.

“It’s all thanks to your guidance.”

I bowed my head slightly, sincerity filling my words. Without her relentless corrections and patient demonstrations, I would never have grasped the delicate balance this technique demanded.

Pyrolume Swordcraft was a refined style built around speed and compression. Ignition Blitz, its first form, pushed that concept to the extreme. Light aura surged through the legs to explosively boost movement, while the arms maintained the same energy to keep balance at high velocity. At the same time, fire aura wrapped around the blade, condensing destructive force into every swing. With proper execution, the user could pass straight through an enemy line in a blink, leaving only delayed slashes behind.

“Let’s not linger,” Len said, her expression sharpening as she scanned the forest. “Other wolves may come looking for their fallen pack members.”

“Yes.”

We moved immediately, abandoning any thought of a relaxed pace. Our steps grew lighter, faster, the forest blurring past as we broke into a run.

("Three wolf encounters in a single day. Their nest must be nearby.")

Len’s voice echoed calmly in my head, but there was a subtle hint of doubt beneath it.

<"Why do you sound unconvinced?">

("I forgot. It’s been so long since I traveled this route at a normal pace. When I’m alone, I usually pass through this entire area in a few seconds, ignoring whatever monsters happen to be nearby.")

We had been walking the entire day, carefully navigating terrain and conserving stamina, yet she claimed this distance normally took her only seconds.

<"Sorry. It’s because of me.">

I knew the truth. With her ability, she could have easily sprinted far ahead. She was deliberately matching my pace.

("Oh no, darling. It’s not your fault at all.")

Len slowed slightly and turned her head just enough for me to catch her gentle smile.

("When I’m alone, I rush because I want to reach town quickly. But with you, I don’t have any reason to hurry. I treasure every moment we spend together.")

Warmth spread through my chest, easing the fatigue that had been creeping into my limbs.

Although I could chain Short Teleportation to move far faster, I restrained myself. Overusing it drained stamina and mana far too quickly, and exhausting myself before an unexpected battle would be reckless. I only used it when absolutely necessary.

As night fell, we settled beneath a towering tree whose branches stretched wide like a natural canopy. I set up the tent under Aza’s guidance, while Len prepared our meal with practiced ease. The scent of cooked meat drifted softly through the air, blending with the earthy aroma of the forest.

We ate together, talking idly, the tension of the day slowly melting away.

("By the way, what was that skill you used earlier to stand in mid-air?")

Len tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.

<"Eh? You don’t know it?">

Her question genuinely surprised me.

("I’ve seen people run in mid-air before, but I don’t know the actual method. It’s not just gathering mana beneath the feet, right?")

<"I just manipulate the wind and solidify it.">

("Solidify the wind?")

Her brows knitted together in visible confusion.

【Actually, Master, what you did was condense wind mana.】

Aza’s voice chimed in casually, correcting me without mercy.

<"Is that so?">

【Haa… you don’t even understand your own spell, stupid master.】

She sighed dramatically before projecting a translucent window in front of us.

【What you learned is a magic called Air Steps.】

Air Steps

This magic grants users the ability to effortlessly navigate three-dimensional spaces. By condensing wind mana beneath their feet or desired stepping point, users can stand, walk, and run in mid-air with ease.

("Can I learn it too, Aza?")

【Sorry, but no. It’s exclusive to the wind element. However, there is a fire-based alternative called Flame Leap.】

("Really?")

【Yes. Flame Leap allows high and long jumps by releasing fire aura or mana beneath the feet while grounded. But once you’re airborne, changing direction is difficult since it’s still just a leap.】

("I see. So it’s not suited for aerial combat. But let’s try it anyway, darling. It sounds fun!")

Her excitement was impossible to miss.

<"Wait. Aren’t you afraid of heights? This jump might be higher than the cliff.">

Len had actually always feared extreme heights. Not simple cliffs or tall buildings, but heights so vast they reminded her of the moment she fell during her final battle in her previous life. A fall from the sky itself.

("I wasn’t always afraid of heights. It’s just trauma.")

Her fists clenched slightly.

("But if you’re trying to overcome your fears, then so will I.")

<"Haa… how do we land, Aza?">

【You’ll fall naturally. You can protect your feet with fire aura, but the impact will still be strong.】

Len stiffened visibly.

<"See? It might be scary.">

("I-It’s fine. You’re with me.")

Her voice trembled despite her smile.

("Even if I panic, I trust you’ll catch me.")

<"Haa… so you’re placing your life in my hands.">

I let out a long sigh.

After finishing our meal, we moved to an open clearing.

Not flying, but just jumping.

<"Ready?">

("Yes!")

We stood side by side, fingers interlaced. Fire aura gathered beneath our feet, heat rippling against the grass. I took a breath and began counting.

<"Three. Two. One. Jump!">

We launched upward together.

““Huh?””

Our voices overlapped in confusion.

Len surged ahead far faster than expected, her enthusiasm overpowering her control.

“W-Whoaa!”

The sudden pull yanked me upward before our hands slipped apart…

“D-Darling!?”

Her shout echoed as she kept rising while my momentum faded.

In an instant, I activated Air Steps, stabilizing myself mid-air.

Then seconds later—

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Her scream tore through the night as she plummeted, completely panicked.

She’s not using aura at all.

I manipulated the wind immediately, cushioning her fall, slowing her descent. Heavenfire aura wrapped around my body as I positioned myself beneath her.

I caught her gently in a princess carry. She clung to me instantly, burying her face against my chest.

“Stupid darling! Why did you let go of my hand!?”

Huh. My fault?

I swallowed my retort when I felt her trembling.

“That was terrifying! I thought I’d never see you again!”

“So you were scared of losing me more than the height?”

I chuckled softly.

“Of course I was scared of the height too! I didn’t even open my eyes! But more than that… I was scared of losing you. Please… don’t leave my side…”

Tears soaked into my clothes.

“I’m sorry. I won’t leave you.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

I began descending, but she tightened her grip.

“Don’t go down yet. Stay like this a little longer.”

She’s adorable when she’s like this.

“As you wish, my princess.”

We hovered above the forest, moonlight bathing the trees below.

After a while, she spoke again.

“I want to look around. But don’t let go.”

“Yes, princess.”

She lifted her head, eyes widening.

“Whoa…”

The endless forest stretched beneath us.

“Do you like the view?”

“Yes, but…”

“But?”

“I’m sorry for screaming earlier.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, I meant… Do you see those red lights?”

She hesitated, then pointed downward. I followed her gaze.

Crimson dots glimmered beneath the canopy.

“What you see is only a fraction. I sense hundreds. Maybe close to a thousand.”

My blood ran cold.

“It seems my scream attracted them.”

The forest below was alive with hostile eyes… waiting for us.