I Reincarnated as a Shinai

Chapter 149: Separate Ways

Reiji learned many things about the Arcana through Lord Castillo's explanation. 

Although he is technically an Arcana as well, he doesn't have prior knowledge about them and he only accumulates information through his journey in this world.

Of course, he also learned a few things from the Guide that was together with him from the beginning. 

He realized that it was fun learning about the potential of a summoned arcana.

That's right, he didn't think too much about their origin before, but now that he learned about them, he was somehow looking forward to meeting other Arcana like him.

Aside from that, he already had a guess that all the Arcana in this world is being handled by a specific Deity

For example, all sword-related Arcana must be under Albeiron's jurisdiction So there must be deities for the spear, rings, daggers, gauntlet, armors, and others

What made him believe about this guess was when he also learned from the Guide that there are other deities that bore hostility to Albeiron and they similarly have their blessed Arcana roaming this world 

He doesn't know which type of weapon would it be but it would be very interesting to know

"Master Is that true? I'm already at the level of 3-Dan?!" Stella was so happy hearing her master's evaluation of her skills.

Reiji's daydreaming was interrupted as Stella exclaimed. It is worth a celebration if her grade truly increased from her Master's point of view. 

She has been diligently training for the past two months. Because of the money she earned through the mission and her prior savings, she no longer has to worry about money and she only focused on completing her Master's training

Her sword swings, footwork, stance, and battle sense have improved a lot in these past two months The repeated practice helped her in many ways as she got used to fast-paced combat.

They also stopped collecting blood last week She was unsure but it seems that her master has grown tired at the taste of her blood 

"That's true You're impressive. You learned things quickly and you have shown incredible progress"

"T-thank you, Master Reiji!"

"Very well We'll have to continue hunting from now on"

It has been a while since they last hunted for Evil Beast so Stella was quite excited. 

"Yes, Master Should I bring all my Magic Items and my Arcana"

"Mhmm No This is will be your last training with me and I want you to use your Kendo skills"

"Last training?" Stella asked but didn't think too much of it. They must be doing another type of training after this. 

"That's right. That's why you have to do your best"

"A-alright I understand, Master" 

'Use our Sense Link Someone's coming.'

Reiji immediately reminded Stella as the latter looked around 

After seeing a figure getting closer, she picked up the shinai and strapped it on her waist

If one looked closely at the shinai, one will notice that a tussle was carefully added on the design of the wooden sword.

The tussle seems to be made of expensive cloth and there seems to be a stone with a perfect sphere attached to it

Apparently, Reiji decided to carry the Arcane Stone with him as his separation from Stella is getting near.

The sunlight was blocking Stella's vision but after looking closer, she noticed that it was someone familiar

"Miss Enri!"

It has been a while since they've met The village has been peaceful after they routed the Beast Tamers that were sent here

As a matter of fact, the Chaos Knights were already planning to leave the village in the next couple of days. 

They have already trained the village guards to the point that they could stand their ground against the city guards and even if a beast wave happened today, they were confident that they would be able to defend and survive against it. 

"Stella It has been a while." Enri greeted the young girl.

"Indeed What brought you here this time?" Stella asked as she wiped her sweat with a towel.

"Ahh It's a vacation I have a two weeks break at the Academy so I decided to visit here Right! I heard about your amazing skills from father It seems that the people here have treated you as their secret weapon Hahaha!"

Enri laughed after recalling her conversation with the chief a while ago.

Stella smiled wryly at this as she understood what she meant by that. After her involvement with the last subjugation party, her skills were acknowledged by the Chaos Knights, Hunter Association, and Arcanist Association, even the noble 3rd-Class Arcanist that has briefly stayed in this village expressed his interest in getting her under his wings.

"So, what are you planning now? I don't think that you'll just stay in this small village until you grow old, right?" Enri asked as if she can read her thoughts.

"Mhmm In the meantime, my mastI mean, I will have to hunt at least three strong Evil Beasts in the forest before I'll think of going somewhere far away."

"Three Evil Beast?"

"Yes They should be very strong Unless I do this, I won't be confident adventuring alone"

Stella explained. It was partially true as she needed to help Reiji to complete the "Fight Under Pressure" mission where they have to use Sword's Will in the process.

Nevertheless, Enri understood her point as it was true that adventuring without a companion requires not just money to get by but also strength and courage to venture alone.

She didn't ask why she wanted to be a lone traveler but she wished her good luck. 

"Oh, I heard that the Chaos Knights were interested in your abilities. Did they try recruiting you?"

"Yeah But I'm not interested"

"Really? Haha I guess you already have plans for your future But remember, being a member of the Chaos Knights is also something you can be proud of, it's a dream for many people After all, if you accumulated enough reputation, you'll have a chance to be a low-ranking noble."

"A noble?" Stella has never thought of becoming a noble.

"That's right, although you'll only be noble in name without land and properties given by the King, you'll still enjoy a lot of benefits from it In the end, after you accumulated enough wealth, you'll have the right to purchase some unoccupied lands within the Kingdom."

Enri explained as it gave Stella some enlightenment about how the nobility works in the kingdom.

"Is that so? Thank you for letting me know. But do you have plans on becoming a noble, Miss Enri?"

"That's right However, I have a different plan to do this."

"A different plan?"

"Yes There are other methods to become a noble as long as you became an Arcanist Hehe I'll let you know once you become one" Enri answered and she seems to be excited about this.

"I-is that so? I will let you know once I became one" Stella did her best to say this with a calm voice.

She can only hope that once they meet again, the beautiful Arcanist was already a noble.

This was their last conversation as after she completed her task to kill three powerful Evil Beasts She decided to make her way to Erliente Dukedom to "attend an Arcana Bestowal Ceremony."

This would make her story of getting an Arcana believable to everyone's eyes. 

The only thing that she has to be careful with was her Awakened Arcana's abilities. 

Even if she uses it, she can't let the others know that it was an Awakened Skill.

***

Three weeks had passed after she helped Reiji complete one of his missions.

"Master Are we really going to separate here?"

Stella asked as she tries not to get too emotional They have been together for a long while now and became almost inseparable. 

She trained every day and barely had any breaks since her master said that she's quite late in her sword training 

There is also the fact that she won't be accompanied by him in the future, so they had to make use of their time while they are still together.

She will definitely miss her Master's deep and husky voice every morning

"Yes We've already talked about this before Anyway, we will surely meet again someday so don't be sad"

"Really?"

"Of course So just train your Kendo Skills every time you have a chance Who knows, maybe you'll meet one of my disciples in the future"

"Ahhh Don't worry, Master If I see one of your disciples, I will surely beat them up to let them know that I'm their senior!"

Stella proudly said as her mood immediately lit up

"Haha... Go ahead if you can..." Reiji laughed as he gave one last look at her. She has been a very good student.

Stella is riding a horse given by her uncle Hemil and halted in the middle of a road... That's right, the two have already left the Jarnae Village and they were at a crossroad.

Soon enough, one floating sword flew to the right before vanishing completely.... while the young girl urged her horse to go left as they moved towards the direction of the nearest city.

They went on separate ways but deep in their hearts, they know that they will meet someday in the future.