Chapter 752: A Long-Forgotten Dream
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 752: A Long-Forgotten Dream
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong!"
That year in Belland, the snow lay thick and white, and the winter was exceptionally cold.
Somewhere in the Lower District, in a remote and desolate courtyard, a little girl—barely tall enough to reach the windowsill—was vigorously swinging a wooden sword.
The wooden sword was crudely made, clearly not a store-bought toy. It looked like someone had simply found a suitable branch, stripped the bark, and given it a light sanding.
But to the little girl, it was an incredible toy—or rather, a weapon. It was her ninth birthday present.
"Heh... Yah!"
The frail girl swung the wooden sword repeatedly, practicing the moves she had secretly learned from a martial arts academy two blocks away. After long periods of practice, her form actually looked somewhat decent.
"Why does Ariel want to get strong?"
Leaning against the windowsill, a thin, sickly woman watched the scene, her expression tender as she asked the question.
"Because I want to protect Mama!"
Ariel raised her wooden sword and shouted, "Once I’m strong enough, no bad guys will ever dare bully Mama again!"
"Pfft... Ariel, you’re so cute."
The woman laughed happily. The little girl’s words were warmer than any hearth in the world, enough to illuminate her empty, pale heart.
Unfortunately, the warmth of the soul could not extend to the flesh.
The woman fell into a fit of weak coughing. She reached out a bony hand to catch a few snowflakes drifting from the sky.
It was snowing again.
Back at the Count’s Manor, people always loved days like this. There was hot tea, fireplaces, beautiful scenery, and games in the snow. Noble ladies would hold tea parties in the snow-covered courtyards, sharing poems about the winter. Polite gentlemen would converse loudly in warm rooms before inviting the ladies back from their tea parties for a dance.
But in the Lower District, every snowfall was a trial sent by the Goddess to the weakest and most helpless people in the world.
This trial was cold, ruthless, and entirely unfair.
The woman knew her own body well; she had a premonition that she might not survive this particular trial.
Still, she forced herself to stay spirited. She smiled and beckoned to the girl outside.
"Alright, it’s snowing. Come inside quickly. If you keep running around like that, you’ll get hungry again..."
"I’m not hungry!"
The little girl skipped over. "Look, Mama! I still have half a piece of black bread that the neighbor uncle gave me yesterday!"
"You stubborn girl. I don’t know who you take after. Come inside and get under the covers to warm up."
"Okay, coming!"
The sounds of training outside transformed into playful giggles inside. Those moments were so brief, yet so beautiful.
*
But by the end of that winter, the woman ultimately failed to see the arrival of spring.
The ten-year-old girl, still dressed in thin clothes, stood on a street where patches of snow remained. She silently gazed at the courtyard—small, remote, and now seized by the neighbor uncle under the guise of being her guardian. It was the last place she and her mother had called home.
In her mind, she replayed her mother’s final words.
"Ariel, although your father... that man is an absolute scumbag, I don’t actually hate him. I knew there would never be a happy ending for us. I knew... yet I still chose to fly into the flames like a moth. Even now, I still love him. I’m quite foolish, aren't I?"
"I’m so worried, Ariel. You’re just as stubborn as I am. Once you set your mind on something, you never look back... Someone like you will suffer a lot in the future, yet I won’t even be able to embrace you when that time comes."
"I’m sorry for leaving you alone. I’m a useless mother; I couldn't leave much for you. So... go and get strong according to your own path. Get strong—stronger than me, stronger than that man, stronger than everyone. Then... even someone as stubborn as you will surely be able to live a happy life."
"You must find your own happiness, Ariel."
*
"So stupid."
The young girl pressed her arm tightly over her eyes, refusing to let weak tears fall.
"Mama was so stupid."
How could someone who had never found much happiness herself demand that someone else find it? Was there anything more foolish or irrational than that?
Fortunately, there was one thing her mother hadn't been wrong about.
Even if she were deceived, even if she were abandoned, even if she ended up with nothing... the power and strength gained through one's own hard work would never betray her.
"Don't worry, Mama."
Ariel looked down at the blood-stained wooden sword in her hand. It was on the verge of snapping, much like her abruptly ended childhood.
"I will get strong, and then I will find my own happiness."
The first rays of spring sunlight spilled onto the street like the decorative veils of a festival, holding a coming-of-age ceremony for this girl who had nothing—a ceremony that had come far too early.
Flames roared behind her, burying her past along with her weak, pathetic mother.
*
"Ariel, what are you doing?" Under the setting sun, a cute girl poked half her head out from behind a large tree.
"Oh, it’s Liya. Can’t you see? I’m getting strong!"
"But you’ve been training for hours. Aren't you going to rest?"
"Just a bit more. A little more training will do. I’m not like you, Liya—favored by the Goddess, with such high Holy Light affinity and the qualification to study in the Holy City." Ariel was drenched in sweat. She had practiced this single slashing motion tens of thousands of times. It was thanks to this that she was the best fighter among the children in the convent—and, naturally, the child the matrons hated most.
"Ugh... I actually wanted Ariel to come with me," Liya pouted.
"I’m not going. If I went to the Holy City, the matrons would probably glare me to death."
More importantly, a commoner like her with zero Holy Light affinity would only become an ordinary nun there. Not only would there be no room to grow stronger, but she would also be shackled by tedious religious dogmas. Ariel couldn't stand that.
"If Liya is going to feel lonely all by herself..." Ariel stopped her movements, her dark eyes darting around. "How about we get married early? If you marry me, I’ll go with you even if I get glared to death."
"Are we playing house? Okay, okay! I’ll be the mama!" Liya blinked and clapped her hands excitedly.
"Tsk... looks like the frog needs to simmer in the warm water for a while longer," Ariel muttered.
"Frog? Warm water?"
"Nothing. Let’s head back. By the way, has your chest grown again? You big cow, you’re only twelve!"
"I have not! It’s just that you’re too small, Ariel... Teehee! I’m sorry! I’ll stop! Don't tickle me, it itches! I give up!"
*
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong... Whoa! What the hell are you? A ghost?"
"I am the soul of someone who died centuries ago. I currently reside in the ring on your finger, awakened by the nourishment of your Fighting Spirit."
The phantom floating out of the ring had a graceful figure and a beautiful face, looking like a mature older sister. However, the aura of maturity and world-weariness she inadvertently radiated was something even that mysterious old man Ariel had met on the street couldn't match.
That old man had given her some martial technique manual, claiming that if she practiced diligently, her one-in-a-million genius talent would surely make her a top-tier powerhouse in the future.
"The ring... nourishment? Ah, wait, is it because of you that my cultivation progress has been so..."
"Ahem, that’s not important."
"No, that’s clearly very important! Because I haven't been making progress, it’s getting harder and harder to rob other criminals! I can barely afford black bread anymore! How are you going to compensate me?"
"I told you, that is a trivial matter."
The beautiful phantom suddenly drew close, staring into Ariel’s eyes. "I ask you, Ariel Bugard—I have taken a liking to your temperament and potential. I believe you will become a remarkable person. Are you willing to become my disciple?"
"Can you make me strong?"
"Of course."
"How strong?"
"Very strong."
"Strong enough to rule a region?"
"Pfft, what is that? Think bigger. After all, there are probably fewer people left in this world who know Ancient Magic like I do than you can count on one hand." The phantom seemed quite proud, casting a disdainful glance at the manual Ariel had just acquired before tossing it aside.
"I will make you one of the top powerhouses in this world. However, the path ahead will be countless times harder than swinging a sword ten thousand times a day. You might even pay with your life. So, think it over carefully."
"A top... powerhouse."
In that instant, Ariel did the fastest thinking of her life and gave the fastest answer of her life.
"No need to think. Please help me get strong, Master."
*
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong."
"St. Maria Academy is one of the top institutions in Belland. It can provide you with a better education. Do you want to go?"
"Yes."
*
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong."
"The Bugard family can make you even stronger. Do you want to come?"
"Yes."
*
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong."
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong."
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"I’m..."
*
For ten years, since her mother passed away, Ariel had heard that question countless times and given the same answer just as often.
Some of the people asking were those she had formed deep bonds with, her closest companions.
Others were mere passersby in her life—some who offered help, others who placed obstacles in her path.
Of course, whether help or hindrance, they all became nourishment for her progress.
But among all these people, there was one individual she loathed to the extreme.
"Ariel Bugard, what are you doing?"
"I’m getting strong."
"With just you? This flat-chest? This washboard? Hahaha! What’s the use of getting strong? You’d be better off growing your chest a bit to please this Young Master."
It was a blonde bastard who used his family background to act like a tyrant at the academy every day. One day, after seeing her habitual training, he began mocking her.
Having clawed her way up from the Lower District, she didn't care about mockery.
However...
This blonde bastard dared to defile her determination to get strong and the persistence she had maintained all this way. Therefore, she didn't hesitate to drive her fist into his annoying face.
Even if it meant offending the Duke’s family—a troublesome opponent for her current self.
It didn't matter. She believed she could resolve it all, just as she had resolved countless troubles before.
A powerful enemy would simply become more nourishment for her growth...
"Ariel, what are you doing?"
"Again? Is there no end to this? You bastard, haven't you had enough of a beating—"
Ariel turned around indignantly, wanting to give the persistent guy another punch, but before her fist could fly... she froze.
Because the person standing there, while indeed that blonde bastard... was somehow different from before.
He lacked the arrogance of looking down his nose at everyone, the stupidity of his usual condescension, and the large gang of freakish underlings that usually followed him.
He just stood there—elegant, easygoing, quiet, and... powerful.
"I..."
Ariel looked at the greatsword she had gripped in her hand at some point and subconsciously blurted out, "I’m getting strong."
"Getting strong... why?"
"Of course it’s..."
Ariel felt a momentary daze.
How strange. It felt like the first time she had ever been asked that question.
It felt like someone else was asking, yet also like she was asking herself.
Why get strong?
Naturally, it was for the sake of what her mother had said at the very end...
"To find happiness."
Whether it was the relentless, grueling training, the struggle for survival in harsh environments, or even the plan she had started ten years ago to "simmer the frog" and build her dream crystal palace—it was all to achieve that goal.
For the sake of happiness. To satisfy the Ariel Bugard who was stubborn, gluttonous, brave, strong, hated men, used any means to get strong, and devoured every obstacle to fuel her growth. It was also to fill the void in the heart of that little girl who had lost everything at the age of ten.
"For happiness... what a beautiful wish. But is it necessary to work so hard?"
"Huh?"
Ariel suddenly felt an ominous premonition. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, isn't there a simpler way?"
Suddenly, bells began to toll.
White pigeons took flight, and flower petals drifted down. Beneath a sacred cathedral, guests clapped in celebration.
A solemn priest stood at the front, reciting a vow that Ariel found strangely familiar:
"Ariel Bugard, whether in wealth or poverty, in health or in sickness, whether... are you willing to become the wife of Muen Campbell?"
Seemingly satisfied with the emotion in his voice, the priest nodded to himself.
On the other side, the blonde guy had already flamboyantly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his solid chest, fast-forwarding to...
"Screw you! Even a dream has a sequel? Piss off!!!"
The scene shattered instantly.
Ariel snapped her eyes open, the fury in them unabated. She wished she could dive back into the dream and beat all those bastards to a pulp.
That was too much.
Being disgusted once wasn't enough; they had to come back for a second round?
She had finally... finally had a long-overdue dream about those past events.
That damned Muen Campbell had defiled her resolve once again!
"Ow, ow, ow... Dammit, where is this?"
Ariel struggled to sit up. A strange ceiling, a strange environment, plus that indescribably shitty dream from a moment ago left her head feeling dizzy.
As Ariel’s gaze shifted, she saw a familiar sight.
A campfire flickered, casting a warm orange glow. Beyond the fire, a flawless, beautiful face and golden wavy hair—brighter than the fire itself—entered her vision.
"Miss Muse..."
This beautiful image instantly cleared the filth from Ariel’s mind, making her much more alert.
"Are you awake?"
This time, Miss Muse wasn't cooking anything. Instead, she was fiddling with a silver bracelet on her wrist. Seeing Ariel sit up, she stopped and offered a peaceful, reassuring smile.
"I... what happened?"
"You fainted during the previous battle. Fortunately, I woke up in time and managed to get us away safely for now."
"Ah, I see."
Ariel slapped her forehead.
Right, she had indeed been in a battle. But due to her physical weakness and a few small mistakes, she had nearly lost her life.
"Then this place is..."
"A relatively hidden house. After I woke up, while fighting those strange monsters, I noticed they seemed only able to move within the mist. So, I brought you here and completely sealed the entrance. We’ve temporarily escaped pursuit."
"Is that so?"
Ariel stood up unsteadily and looked around. They were indeed in a cramped interior. The stone house had almost no windows, so by sealing the entrance, it was nearly airtight.
Her Heavenly Fire Greatsword lay nearby. Seeing Ariel stand up, it immediately flew over wobbling and rubbed against her palm ingratiatingly.
"Alright, alright, I don't blame you. It was a crisis, after all."
Ariel stroked the hilt, soothing the living spirit within. Then, she gripped it with a reverse hand and began dragging the greatsword across the floor as she walked around the room.
"Ariel, your injuries are still serious. Doing this..."
"It’s fine, Miss Muse. I just want to make sure this place is sealed well enough."
Ariel walked a full circle around the room, tapping the walls occasionally. Once she was certain the space was indeed very secure, she returned to the campfire.
"My wounds have been bandaged again." She touched her thigh, where the wound had previously torn open.
"Ah, sorry, that was..."
"It’s okay. I know you did it for me, Miss Muse. Besides, you saved me again, didn't you?"
Ariel gave a sweet smile, her gaze crossing the fire once more to land on Miss Muse’s lovely face.
So beautiful.
No matter how many times she looked, Ariel couldn't help but marvel.
Those sharp, perfect features, that fair and delicate skin, the golden wavy hair, and that curvaceous figure... every bit of it hit her preferences perfectly.
She really wanted to pull Miss Muse into her arms and feed her grapes by hand.
But...
"Speaking of which, I just had a dream."
"Eh?"
"I dreamed of my mother. I haven't dreamed of her in a long time. In the dream, she told me: 'Ariel, you must find a girl you truly love.'"
"Wait, wait, wait..."
Miss Muse waved her hands frantically. "Why are we suddenly talking about this?"
"Huh? Is something wrong?" Ariel tilted her head in confusion.
"Well... I don't think it’s appropriate for us to discuss this kind of topic."
Miss Muse had an awkward expression, rubbing her upper arms with her palms. Beads of cold sweat even began to form on her forehead.
He really couldn't handle this kind of lead-up that felt like it was building momentum for a confession.
"Is that so? Then let’s change the subject."
Ariel didn't seem inclined to press the matter.
This allowed Miss Muse to let out a long sigh of relief. Anything was fine, as long as Ariel didn't take her feelings for "Miss Muse" to the next level!
Otherwise, being chopped into mincemeat later would probably be considered a light punishment.
"So, what should we talk about?" To be safe, Miss Muse hurried to redirect the conversation.
"What to talk about... let me think... Oh, right. Let’s talk about this."
Ariel clapped her hands together, and then—
Clang!
She suddenly slammed the Heavenly Fire Greatsword hard into the ground in front of her. She looked up, staring straight into the eyes of the beautiful girl across the fire.
"Miss Muse... who exactly are you?"
"Huh?"
In an instant, Miss Muse was drenched in sweat. She stammered, "A... Ariel, what are you saying? I’m Muse. Who else could I be...?"
"Stop lying, Miss Muse. I’ll admit I can be a bit of a romantic fool, but I’m not stupid. Quite the opposite—most of the time, I’m sharp as a tack!"
Ariel spoke each word deliberately, as if she wanted to tear the hypocritical mask right off the "Miss Muse" before her.
"You’re wearing a disguise, aren't you?"