Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 17: A Sister’s Determination

The morning sun had already climbed high into the sky, casting its warm glow over the Vale Mansion. Inside Orion's room, streaks of golden light filtered through the slightly open window, illuminating the dust motes that danced lazily in the air.

On the big bed, Orion slept soundly. His bluish-white hair was rumpled, fanning across the pillow, his breathing slow and steady. The silk sheets were draped over his lower half, exposing his upper half—his chiseled muscles and toned chest bathed in the soft morning light.

The room was quiet, with only the occasional rustling of curtains in the gentle breeze. But then—

Creek...

The door to Orion's room creaked open slowly, the small, measured creak disrupting the quiet. A tall, lean figure entered, gliding across the floor with quiet, almost silent footsteps.

Elara.

Wearing a new outfit, she was particularly lovely today. Her black hair fell down her shoulders, a subtle sheen from the morning light. Her bright blue eyes, full of warmth, examined her brother as she moved closer. A soft, playful smile rested on her lips as she whispered, "Brother... today once more, you sleep until late in the morning."

She moved to his bedside, steps quiet and delicate. Standing at his side, she gazed upon his resting face—strong jawline, faint furrowing between his brow even in slumber, naturally sharp features.

Her glance unwittingly travelled lower—to the revealed chest. His sharply contoured muscles, honed to perfection, were visible beneath skin smooth as it was. Every rise and fall of his breath seemed to mould itself to definition. A heat rose to cheeks.

Why does he sleep like this...

A strange compulsion awakened in her. What would it be like to touch his hard muscles?

She hesitated, then reached out slowly, her fingers shaking. Just as she was going to graze against his hard muscles—

Orion's eyes flickered.

A slight movement. A subtle twitch of his brow, as if he was going to wake.

Panic coursed through Elara. Her heart was racing. Without thinking—

B-Brother!" she exclaimed, stepping back abruptly. "Wake up! You're late for breakfast!"

Orion's eyes snapped open, still foggy with sleep. He blinked, his eyes adjusting to the light, before looking at Elara beside his bed. His voice was low and gruff.

"Elara...? What are you doing here?"

Elara's face was still pink, but she covered it with a cheerful smile.

"M-Mother Celia told me to wake you! You're late again!" she quickly said, not meeting his eyes.

Orion groaned, rubbing at his eyes before it hit him.

"Shit... I'm late again."

Swinging his legs off the bed, he sat up to stretch before looking over at Elara.

"Thanks for waking me."

"It's Okay, Brother! Hurry and come downstairs for breakfast!" she exclaimed before quickly fleeing, almost running out of the room.

Orion watched her go, being a bit perplexed at her reaction. What's with her?

Shaking his head, he got up and went to the window, opening it. A cool morning breeze blew into the room, soothing his skin. He let out a sigh.

"Late mornings... I have to get over this habit."

He walked towards the bath, his thoughts turning to his recent improvements.

Since he came back from the Iron Fang Armory, he had been taking Titan's Essence Pills, Spirit Purification Pills, and his own brewed ManaGold Crystallized Pills. Within a couple of days, his cultivation level reached the pinnacle of Three-Star Novice.

But that was not the only thing. Each evening, he had been sneaking out to the edge of the forest—fighting magical creatures in secret, practicing his fighting skills without his mother, sister, or mansion guards realizing.

Thinking about this, he finished his bath, emerging refreshed. Dressing in a fresh robe, he went downstairs.

The delicious scent of new-baked bread and herbal tea wafted through the dining hall. Celia, Sera, and Elara were already at the table when Orion arrived.

His two mothers, their bluish-white hair mirroring each other and their piercing blue eyes, looked at him. Celia came forward first, a worried expression on her face.

"Son, are you alright? Today you're late again in wake are you not feeling well?" she asked softly.

Orion smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, Mother. Just a little tired."

Celia frowned slightly but nodded.

Sera, who was standing next to her, laughed. "If he's this tired, I bet he's been Cultivating whole night in own room. Right dear!"

Orion inwardly winced but said with little smile, "Yes Mother."

"See, Celia our Orion is cultivating whole night, so this reason he feels tired" sera said staring Orion with worried eyes but she doesn't say anything more. Then, "Come let's eat," Sera said, taking them to the table.

Breakfast was warm and nice, but as it was finishing up, Orion rose to excuse himself.

But before he could go—

"Brother!"

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He turned to find Elara standing up.

"Are you going to the training ground?" she asked.

Orion nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

Elara's eyes lit up. "Can I go with you? I want to saw you, my progress!"

Orion grinned at her excitement. "Alright," he said. "Meet me at the training grounds in fifteen minutes.

Elara nodded excitedly.

The Vale Family Training Grounds was a colossal open-roofed space, big enough to hold more than a thousand individuals. Polished stone tiles made up the floor of the arena, and racks of weapons, training dummies, and sparring circles were situated along the edges.

Orion was in the center, wearing his training robes, his silver sword lying by his side. Sitting in meditation, he anticipated Elara.

Some Minutes later— Creeeak...

The doors to the training ground opened.

Elara entered; a blue whip curled around her waist. Wearing a tight training uniform that clung to her wiry body, she was beautiful and determined-looking.

Orion opened his eyes, watching.

He was a little taken aback. This morning, she had been on the edge of Two-Star Novice. But now—

"You've entered Three-Star Novice," he stated.

Elara grinned at his words. "Yes! I broke through!"

Orion nodded, impressed. "Good. But do remember, Elara, stabilize your foundation before you run on to the next level."

She nodded seriously. "I will, Brother!"

She then released her whip from its coiled state. "I've practiced with whip sometimes... Will you spar with me?"

Orion smirked. "Let me see how improved you've gotten."

They took their positions.

Elara gripped the handle of her whip more tightly, her blue eyes shining with resolve. She stood opposite Orion, the air thick with tension as both readied for combat. The training grounds were quiet but for the soft whisper of the wind, the golden morning sun casting their elongated shadows upon the gleaming stone floor.

Orion stood in a relaxed but controlled posture, his silver sword hanging loose at his hip. His keen eyes watched Elara with silent amusement. She's sure of herself. Let's see how much she's learned.

"Start!"

The instant the word was out of Orion's mouth; Elara burst into motion.

Her whip flashed through the air like a bolt of lightning, its tip snapping in toward Orion's chest at hair-raising velocity.

Snap!

Orion shifted his body just enough to allow the attack to pass inches from his flesh. The air vibrated with the power of the blow.

"Quick," he observed, a flash of approval in his tone.

Elara didn't hesitate. She used a whip-like motion to make the whip recoil and crack again—this time at Orion's legs.

He dodged, stepping back with fluid ease.

"You're faster than before," Orion said, parrying the next blow easily with his sword. Metal and mana-charged leather sounded in clashing collision through the arena.

Elara smiled. "And stronger!"

Her whip writhed like a living snake, turning in unpredictable curves. She imbued it with mana, sending delicate blue sparks dancing along its body. The next blow arced in a misleading curve—beginning high but curving low at the last instant toward Orion's waist.

But Orion had seen right through it.

With the smallest shift of his foot, he pivoted his body sideways, allowing the attack to slide harmlessly by him. His sword flashed upward—just enough to brush the whip's surface, breaking its path.

"Good instinct," Orion said. "But—"

Before Elara could even respond, Orion had closed the gap in an instant.

Her eyes went wide. So quick!

She barely got her arm up, trying to block, but Orion was already there.

With the blade side of his sword, he hit her wrist just hard enough to cause her to lose her grip on her whip.

The weapon dropped to the ground.

"Ah—!"

Orion kicked his leg out.

Elara lost her balance—and the next thing she knew, she was on her way down.

Thud!

The cold stone floor slapped against her back. The fall wasn't brutal, but it was enough to cause her to lose her breath.

On the chilly stone ground, Elara panted, perspiration dripping from her forehead. Her whip rested beside her, still sizzling with residual power.

Orion approached her, kneeling beside her.

"You've improved," he said, ruffling her sweaty hair.

Elara glared, out of breath. "I still lost."

"For now," Orion replied, holding out his hand. "But you're growing stronger."

Elara's blue eyes flashed with resolve.

"Next time, I'll win."

Orion grinned. "I'll be waiting."

Just then—

CREEEAK!

The doors of the training ground creaked open.

A guard entered, bowing.

"Master Orion, young master, Lady Celia called you. There is a guest."

Orion frowned. "A guest?"

The guard shook his head. "I don't know, Master."

Orion looked at Elara and raised an eyebrow. She dusted herself off and pulled at his sleeve. "Brother, we must first clean up." He chuckled. "Yeah, we're in war-like messes here."

The training field had some secluded bathhouse within walking distance, and they split up to get cleaned up. Soon enough, both of them came out, clean and respectable again. Elara's black hair was well-brushed back, her robes being crisp, and Orion's bluish-white locks draped elegantly over his forehead, his clothes spotless again. Side by side, they approached the mansion.