The Elestar: Zero

I didn't know where the horns of the wolves we'd killed would be sold, which naturally gave rise to a few questions in my mind.

"Where exactly are we going to sell these?"

"You'll see once we get to the city."

"Do you have any idea how much they'll go for?"

"Not really. They'll be appraised at the market."

"Can I take a look at them?"

"Sure, here—hold this!"

Just as I reached out to take the horn, Master noticed my hand trembling. So I had to snatch it quickly from his hand.

"Hold it firmly!"

"Okay."

"You still need to get used to a lot of things. You lack bloodlust—and aura."

"Bloodlust? Like some kind of wild animal?"

Valorant:

"Exactly. You're still young and haven't done anything but train. That's why it's natural you fear blood—you're afraid of killing. But over time, once you've slain enough beasts, you'll get used to the sight of blood and the act of killing. Eventually, you'll stop fearing it altogether. Then you'll begin to crave it. That's what we call bloodlust."

"What exactly is bloodlust?"

"Bloodlust is aura. It's something that predators have. Like when those wolves charged at you—did you feel fear?"

"Yeah. It felt like they were going to eat me alive."

"That's bloodlust. Wolves survive by hunting from a young age, which is why they develop that aura of bloodlust. A rabbit, on the other hand, lives by eating plants. If it ever crosses a wolf's path, it either freezes in fear or flees. When people like you—who've never killed before—face that kind of aura, the same thing happens."

"So you're saying bloodlust is about frightening your prey into submission?"

"Bloodlust makes your opponent feel like prey, while you feel like the predator. That's what aura is."

"Then what's the difference between the two?"

"Bloodlust is a type of aura. Aura itself is the energy that lets you present yourself however you want. Politicians or leaders use it to appear grand or authoritative in front of others."

"Can you show me both kinds?"

"If I show you bloodlust, you might not be able to handle it. I don't want to scare you."

"It's okay—I want to understand. Please show me."

"Alright. If you faint, that's on you. First, I'll show you the good aura."

Master decided to start by showing me the aura of grandeur.

"I don't feel anything."

"Hey—don't rush it! Look carefully. Really look."

I followed his advice and observed him closely. Suddenly, I felt as if he was radiating a warm light like the sun. It felt strangely comforting.

"Did you feel it?"

"Yeah. How did you do that?"

"I'll teach you later. It's just about presenting yourself as innocent and pure. Oh, and by the way—if you use this in front of girls, they'll fall for you instantly."

"Come on!"

His words made me blush a little.

"No, seriously! Try it and see for yourself. Humor helps with aura projection too."

"Humor?"

Valorant:

"Yeah. If you smile lightly in front of a girl, you'll seem like the kindest guy in the world to her. Just make sure to use it at the right moment."

After hearing that, I began to imagine it.

[There's a crowd of girls chasing after me, all shouting "Attu! Attu!" Or maybe they're all gathered waiting for me. One by one, they start confessing their love. I look at them and say, "I love you all!" And they faint just from hearing it. That… would be amazing.]

"Please teach me! I'm begging you!"

"Of course. I'll teach you not just aura, but how to talk to girls too. Their soft spots, their quirks—you'll learn it all. You're in the hands of a man with nearly fifty years of experience. The downfall of maidens."

"Oh, great sage! I'm forever grateful!" I bowed deeply to Master Valorant inside the wagon.

"Alright, alright, get up already. I'll pass down all my knowledge to you." We looked at each other and laughed.

[I never thought I'd see Master so cheerful. When we first met, he was cold and distant. But now, after all this time together, he treats me like family. I… I feel the same. Like he's a relative I've known all my life.]

"Now show me the bloodlust!"

"Fine. Brace yourself—I'm starting now." He closed his eyes.

Hearing his words, I sat firmly in the wagon and began mentally preparing myself.

[It's okay! This is just a demonstration. Master would never hurt me.]

"I'm ready!" I shouted.

After I said that, he opened his eyes and stared at me. The look in his eyes sent a tremble through my entire body. My throat felt like it was being gripped—I couldn't even swallow. It felt like if I made one wrong move, I'd die on the spot. Even though I knew Master would never harm me, his gaze said otherwise.

[Master's going to kill me. No—he's going to crush me in an instant!]

The cheerful, relaxed atmosphere inside the wagon vanished instantly.

Then, he withdrew the aura. Immediately, the pressure in my chest disappeared. I could breathe again.

"Are you feeling nauseous?"

"I'm fine. Just… extremely shaken. Give me a moment to recover."

"If you feel worse, let me know."

I never imagined Master's bloodlust could be that intense. I sat holding my chest for quite a while afterward.

Outside the wagon, Scott was far worse off than me.

[What was that?! Why did you even ask for it, Attu? It felt like someone was standing right behind me, about to kill me!]

And so, Master and I sat together in the wagon, chatting about all sorts of things as we traveled. Since Sir Scott wasn't a fire-type Elestar like me, we took turns driving the wagon.

When he got too cold, I took over. And when I got too tired from using flame mana, he'd take the reins again—on Master's orders.

"Don't let Scott freeze out there," Master had said. "Trade places with him from time to time. It'll help you train your flame mana too."

Right now, it was my turn, and I was driving from the front of the wagon. The day was growing late and the surroundings dimmed, but I stayed alert, watching for any signs of wolves or wild beasts like before.

While guiding the horses, I suddenly heard Master's voice from behind me. He leaned his head out the wagon window to speak.

"Not frozen, are you?"

"Not yet!"

"How much longer can you maintain flame mana?"

"About half an hour."

"Good. We're almost at the city. Hang in there."

Half an hour passed. The sun had set, and night fell. I'd used up my flame mana completely. The moment it ran out, I realized just how cold the air really was. Until then, I hadn't felt it.

"Without flame mana, this cold is brutal! I didn't realize it before. It's been half an hour—why haven't we reached the city yet? I should ask Master… Master? Why isn't he answering?" I turned to look inside the wagon.

Inside, Master and Sir Scott were fast asleep—snoring peacefully.

"They're asleep? I'm out here freezing, and they're just snoring away. Now I finally understand what Scott went through..."

I didn't wake them. I kept driving in silence, letting the horses move steadily forward.

After about ten minutes, Master stirred awake and looked outside. The snow had stopped, and the sun had fully set. He peeked his head out the side of the wagon and checked the road ahead. By then, we were already nearing the city. Seeing that, Master called out to me.

"Attu."

I didn't respond, so he called again.

"Attu."

He pulled his head inside and opened the small door to the driver's seat. Through the opening, he saw me—frozen stiff.

Without wasting a second, he opened the wagon door, stepped out into the moving snow-covered path, and came to sit beside me.