7 New weapon

As dawn began to break, heavy rain pelted the mouth of the cave, the steady rhythm echoing within its depths.

Freya stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. The events of the previous night flooded back into her memory, prompting her to sit up swiftly.

Her eyes were alert, scanning her surroundings. As she glanced down, she realized she was now clad in a shirt.

"Oh, you're finally awake," a familiar voice echoed in the cave. The sound of it didn't sit well with her.

Turning her gaze, she saw Victor, shirtless, sitting near the dwindling fire, neatly stacking firewood.

"What have you done to me?" Freya's tone was icy, her gaze fixed on him.

A palpable killing intent radiated from her as she took in the sight of Victor's bare torso.

"Didn't I say it from the beginning? I only gave you my shirt to cover you up. I had no ill intentions. Besides, I value my life too much. If I dared to harm you, I'd be dead meat in front of Alex," Victor responded, his voice calm and steady.

Freya processed his words, her doubt beginning to overshadow her initial suspicion. His explanation did make sense. After all, he was shirtless because he'd given his shirt to her. And his calm demeanor seemed to hint at his sincerity.

Guilt started to nibble at her conscience.

"So, you only put your shirt on me?" she asked, her voice losing its earlier sharpness.

"I am a man. I wouldn't resort to despicable acts like violating a woman," Victor affirmed, his tone resolute.

Freya bit her lower lip, regret creeping into her for her hasty accusations. "I'm sorry for misjudging you," she apologized sincerely.

"It's alright," Victor replied, a warm smile on his face. "It only means you are a vigilant woman, not easily swayed by men."

"Thank you," Freya responded, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

The conversation dwindled into a comfortable silence. The tension in the cave was gradually replaced by the soothing symphony of the rain outside.

Finally, breaking the quietude, Freya asked, her voice soft yet inquisitive, "By the way, what's your name?"

"Victor Redfield," he replied, his voice carrying a lightness.

"Victor Redfield?" Freya echoed, her head bobbing in approval. "It's a good name."

"Thanks," he said, a hint of a smile dancing on his lips. "What about you? I only know your first name."

"You can call me Freya Claire," she offered, her smile mirroring his.

"That's a beautiful name," Victor complimented, his gaze lingering on her.

"Thank you..."

As the conversation flowed, the air between them lightened. Their relationship seemed to transition from strangers to friends. The animosity from earlier had evaporated, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie. Freya found herself enjoying Victor's company, chatting with him as if they were old friends.

*******

Time seemed to elongate, stretching into an endless void, as the persistent rainfall outside the cave showed no signs of relenting.

Victor sat in silent contemplation, his gaze fixed on the sword resting in his grasp.

[Durandal sword: An undestroyable legendary blade with a high affinity for all elements, including magic and divine power.]

[Tier: S]

[Condition: Good]

Another S-tier weapon had fallen into his possession.

"Freya, are you certain you wish to gift me this sword?" Victor questioned earnestly, his eyes never leaving the gleaming blade.

"Absolutely. It can serve as a replacement for your destroyed spear. You did, after all, save my life from that monstrous beast," Freya affirmed sincerely.

Taking her words to heart, Victor studied the Durandal sword once more. Its unbreakable nature piqued his curiosity. He hefted the sword, swinging it a few times to feel its weight and balance.

The blade moved through the air effortlessly, its swings fluid yet precise. Victor found himself enamored by the craftsmanship of the weapon.

"How does it feel? It's quite the masterpiece, isn't it?" Freya inquired, a hint of pride beaming from her smile.

"I'll gratefully accept this sword," Victor conceded, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Good. I trust you'll wield it well," Freya responded, her smile unwavering.

"I will," Victor nodded.

With a satisfied nod, Freya rose from her seated position. "I believe my strength has returned enough to clear the cave entrance. It's time we made our exit."

"I agree. I'm itching to put this blade to the test. It was a pleasure to meet you, Freya," Victor extended his hand towards her.

Freya accepted his handshake, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Likewise. Perhaps we'll meet again if you enroll in Leyndell Academy."

"Leyndell Academy? Isn't that one of the top ten academies in the England Empire? Rest assured, I'll earn my place there," Victor asserted confidently.

"I'll look forward to that. Now, let's make our exit," Freya stated, turning towards the cave entrance.

Her eyes shimmered with a faint golden glow as she faced the rubble-covered exit.

Her fist, enveloped in a similar golden aura, shot forward, unleashing a shockwave that shattered the blocking rocks.

With a resounding boom, the obstructive rocks crumbled, paving the way to the rain-soaked world outside.

Freya turned back to Victor, her smile as warm as the morning sun. "I must take my leave."

"Safe travels," Victor responded, his smile mirroring hers.

Returning his smile, Freya pivoted and faced the open world. A pair of glistening golden wings unfurled from her back, lifting her into the air.

With a graceful swoop, she exited the cave, leaving Victor alone with his newly acquired weapon.