Chapter 14
First Time Flying
The farewell is done smoothly, fortunately Lucius doesn't get teased too much by Edward' mother.
After hopping to the car, both drove to the restaurant first, so Edward asked Lucius about the food he wanted to eat.
"Lucia..oh right, Lucius what do you want to eat? It's my treat"
Feeling bad because he had received a lot of things from Edward, Lucius chose to let Edward be the one who decided.
"I'm good with anything, how about you?"
Thought for a bit, Edward then suggested something.
"How about seafood? or do you prefer meat?, fast food also good one"
Shaking his head Lucius thought.
'Dude.. You really want me to choose huh.. Alright let's eat something spicy then'
While fiddling with the phone Lucius told Edward.
"Alright, let's just eat anything that is spicy, as i crave something spicy now, you fine with that?"
Glancing at Lucius for a bit, Edward then spoke.
"Sure, if it's something spicy… How about a Korean hot pot? or Chinese hot pot?"
Lucius stopped looking at the phone and stared at Edward, smiling then sighing.
'Is it just me or did he always throw the lead to me? Why did he need to let me choose it? Hmm when we eat outside it's always him who decides… Why change now?,
'Ah! Did.. did he think i'm really a woman now!?, Damn bro… i guess he unconsciously treated me as a woman now,
'Well… if I were him I might do the same after all.. Uh.. This appearance really screams 'BEAUTIFUL' at every time, even myself isn't immune to this appearance…'
Lost in his thoughts Lucius forgot about Edward's question, Edward glances at Lucius, seeing 'her' having a brainstorming right now.
-Edward POV-
She crossed her leg sitting in a comfortable position, there's a small frown between her brows, her left hand caresses her chin and the other supporting her breast.
What is inside her thoughts is a mystery, but there's one thing that Edward knows, Lucia is beautiful even when she is having a brainstorming.
Almost lost in his own thoughts about her, Edward finally snapped back to reality, he almost forgot that he's driving a car.
'I should focus!, alright I'll have to ask her again about her choices
-Back to Lucius POV-
"Erm.. Which one do you prefer? Chinese or Korean?, I'll go with your choice"
Lucius went back to his sense after heard Edward' voice, facing Edward he said.
"Let's go with Korean hotpot then, i think Chinese hotpot might be too much as it usually served for three to four people,
"I didn't feel that hungry after all"
"Alright, S*ri change destination to Korean hotpot restaurant"
Answering without giving any look as Edward tries to focus on the road, he smiles and uses his car navigation to search for the nearest Korean hotpot.
After some time they finally arrived at the restaurant, having parked the car, both of them walked towards the restaurant front door.
The staff welcomed them and led them to the table.
While walking towards the table they got a lot of attention from others, as Lucius already experienced this a couple times already he got used to it, and just ignored them.
Meanwhile Edward got a different different treatment, not because he's ugly, but because the jealousy from other males guest,
Of course Edward is also a handsome young man, he acts like a gentleman and exudes a calm yet confident demeanor.
His expression is a bit tense because of the attention he got.
Both finally seated and ordered one hotpot for two people, with an additional side dish.
As they ate no one actually tried to bother them, so the dinner was finished gracefully.
Still sitting on the table, Lucius suddenly remembered something important.
He hasn't asked Edward about his power from the transformation, he always forgets to ask him because a lot of things have been happening in the past week.
Edward is using his phone right now as Lucius asked the question.
"Edward, I'll speak softly so answer in the same manner,
"Can I ask about your transformation power?
"Uh.. Just the general idea is fine, you can keep the rest"
Heard Lucius asking a question Edward immediately put the phone down, listening until the end and smiled,
He answered Lucius' question with ease.
"Haha, we always forgot about my power before, now i can finally revealed this to you,
"Alright.. It's not that special, my transformation race is actually Human, the same race as our own.
"Actually i already began my own research, almost half of the affected is getting a Human as their transformation race,
"I don't know the exact percentage as this is only the reported cases,
"Actually mine even though it says human, i have a bit of better traits and abilities if compared to the rest that are known"
Lucius a bit relieved after hearing that his friend are having better traits, he then ask
"Is it good traits and abilities you got from it? You can keep it secret if you want"
Continuing his explanation Edward tells Lucius while his eyes focus on something invisible from Lucius' eyes.
"Let's see, my given traits from the transformation is something called, [ Martial Body Constitution ] and [ Sword Sense ]
"As the name suggests it is related to a martial art based on cultivation manhwa and games we often read on the internet.
"As for the ability, I got one it's called [ Mountain Slash ], with this abilities when i used a sword or any object that then i imbued with mana,
"It will be activated after i releases the slash in a movement, it got quite a destructive power.
"Honestly I'm quite happy, as i can easily find my way to strengthen my power with a lot of inspiration from those fantasy manhwas"
Smiling with satisfaction and a bit of pride, Edward stared at Lucius with expectation, meanwhile Lucius didn't notice it.
As he heard Edward's explanation about his power, Lucius felt happy but also sad, because his own power doesn't give any means to deal a destructive attack, well at least for now.
Not letting his jealousy consume him, Lucius finally smiled and gave genuine compliments.
"Congratulations Edward!, i feel happy to know you got a strong powerful ability and traits,
"With this i can comfortably go overseas without having to worry about your safety,
"Also with your power as a vanguard and Eve power as a long distance damage dealer, if something indeed happens in the future you both should be able to handle it,
"Anyway let's go, I really want to know how to use my wings"
Smiling at Lucius Edward get up from his seat and speak.
"Thanks a lot for the compliments Luci"
Both of them go to the cashier and pay the bills, then drive away from the restaurant, continuing their journey to the villa.
Lucius felt a bit tired after having dinner, so he asked Edward if it's alright to have a nap.
"Thanks for the food btw, is it alright for me to sleep for an hour?, i suddenly feel sleepy"
Still having his gaze focused on the road, Edward answered Lucius, he gave a gentle smile.
"Don't worry, just sleep until we're arrived, if I'm tired I'll stop on the rest area"
After adjusting the seat Lucius then try to get into a comfortable position, he glances at Edward.
"Thanks a lot dude.."
Not long after he fell asleep.
On the journey to the villa, Edward makes a couple stops in the rest area.
First he stopped to buy a coffee, and refilled the gas for his car, a couple hours later in the middle of the night he decided to take a nap for an hour.
They finally arrived at their destination just after 3 AM in the morning.
Before arrived he already called the head security for the villa, so the employees can arrange their stay before he comes.
As the villa is located quite high in the hill, the road began to incline uphill, the car left the populated area as more houses also began to thin.
Now they are surrounded by a tea plantation, the location of the villa is still several kilometers ahead.
After a minute the villa is finally visible to the eyes, the villa is located on a hill, facing the forest, right in front of it is a fairly steep ravine.
To the left of the villa is also a forest, while behind it is a tea plantation, the road to the villa is located on the right side.
As for the security post, they're located before the hill and surrounding area within 300 meters from the villa are guarded and fenced.
So it's a fairly safe and guarded place, no one can enter the area without getting spotted from the security post.
Edward arrived at the first gate that was guarded by the security, as they already knew and informed them they immediately opened the gate and gave Edward a salute.
Not long after that the car finally stop on the front yard of the villa
The head security is already waiting on the front of the villa, on his back there's several employees and manager of the villa.
Edward wakes Lucius up with a gentle nudge.
"Lucius we have arrived,
He wake up after a couple nudges,
"Let's go, I'll call you Lucia again on this villa"
Still half awake after a couple hours of sleep, Lucius tried to catch the words.
"Uhh?? Edward? Have we arrived? Why don't you wake me after an hour when I sleep?.."
Edward already exited the car, leaning his body to the interior of the car, he looked at Lucia with a smile.
"You look tired so i want to give you some rest,
"As for me? I can get a rest after the shooting done, and i hope you can stay in the villa until evening, i got something to do after shooting"
She felt bad, but as Edward requested something later, she decided to accept it.
"Okay, but please let me do something for you later, after all of this you can ask anything as long as i can do it, I'll do it"
As she said that, she exited the car, walked towards Edward' side and smiled.
Edward was frustrated because of what she said just now, he didn't want to have any strange thoughts sl he said to Lucia.
"Let's go"
Both of them walked towards the head security that was waiting.
The head security guard is a fit middle aged man, with a strong body. He looks like a bodybuilder with his toned muscles.
The head security and other employees bowed to Edward, as he approaches them.
They say in unison.
"Welcome to the villa Sir Edward-"
Then the manager of the villa added
"We already cleaned the master room for you to use, please tell us if you need anything"
Edward giving them a nod, and walked together with Lucia toward the porch, before that he stopped in front of the manager.
Giving the manager the bag, inside it is the Lucia' dress that she used before.
"Please clean this within an hour, also let woman handle it"
The manager received it without any questions, and bowed.
Lucia and Edward are escorted to the master bedroom by the manager.
Finally, when we arrived in front of the bedroom, the manager gave a deep bow and said.
"Please enjoy your time Sir, we won't let anyone come close in the vicinity so don't worry"
Before being able to refute the words, the manager already left.
Edward left stunned there, Lucia's feet also stuck.
Both don't know what to say after hearing what the manager said.
Feeling awkward, Edward suggested something.
"Lucia… how about you go inside and I'll go to the other bedroom? Ah.. When the laundry are done they'll tell me from the phone, don't worry.. Haha"
Lucia doesn't really mind if they're waiting inside the bedroom together, after all he never thought Edward as an opposite gender or sex interest.
But after seeing Edward expression he accepted it, it might be fine on him, but Edward as a healthy young man that are still single might have it hard.
Especially after so conscious about it, and because of others misunderstanding about their situation.
"Okay, but I'm actually fine with that… oh I mean.. About sharing the room,
"I also have something to talk with you, well maybe it can wait"
Of course Edward still refused the offers, it's for his own good after all.
"Alright, I'll go to the other room, you can wait there, ah just call or message me if you need anything, I'll try to arrange the shooting in the meantime"
Lucia answered and after Edward leave her alone, she entered the room.
Inside is a big room with a king sized bed complete with a canopy of the same color with the bed sheets.
It gave really luxurious vibes and romantic feelings, now she feel it will be awkward if Edward also inside the room.
'Uhh.. The decorations and the vibes.. I guess the employees really misunderstood our relationship.. Huft..'
'Let's just wait until the dress is done cleaning, yeah..
'In the meantime I can train my wing coordination.. Uh.. But is there something that I can use quickly to cover my body if someone comes?'
Lucia searches everything in the bedroom, finally finds a red gown that is usually used after showing.
"This will do"
She walked towards the door and locked it, so if someone came they couldn't just open the door.
Even though she's alone, she feel exposed and uncomfortable to undress here, but she need to get more familiar with the wings,
As this bedroom is really spacious, even more spacious than Edward's study, maybe even Lucia's own house.
So she did it with determination.
After a couple minutes of practice, she finally able to float of a couple seconds, after finding the progress, she really happy.
'Yes! Now I just need to control the wings to move faster, up and down, and maybe backward flying..
'Right there's a lot of flying techniques I need to learn.. Ahh.. it's a pity that I don't have anyone to ask, maybe a bird…'
Without realizing almost an hour used for practice, she immediately dressed back and waited Edward, feeling restless she decided to message him.
*Lucius : Edward, is the dress done? Btw did you already told everyone about what we're about to do?*
Edward hasn't replied or even read the message, when suddenly a knock can be heard from the door, abd A voice follows.
"Lucia, I'm here the dress already done, please open the door"
Reaching the door knobs she unlocked the door, opening the door for Edward.
Edward comes carrying a tote bag, inside is Lucia' dress, so after giving the bag, Edward leaves the room again, he said.
"I'll wait outside, if you're done we can immediately go to the edge of the yard, i already instructed everyone to free the surrounding area"
Receiving the bag, Lucia nodded and thanked him, telling him to wait for a couple minutes.
"Thanks Edward, alright wait for a bit, I'll come shortly after"
Not long after that, lucia done changing the clothes, opened the door and smiling at Edward, she made a determined expression, she said.
"Alright!, let's do this!, uhh btw you didn't forget the camera right?"
Edward smiled back, giving thumbs up he said.
"Of course!, it's almost dawn time, so before the sunrise we should do a couple practices, i hope the shooting can be done before 6 AM,
"Because the tea farmers will start their activities around that time.."
Lucia nodded and said.
"Yeah, let's hope we able to finish this smoothly, anyway let's go"
Edward led the way towards the edge of the front yard, near the ravines that are facing the forest.
On their way, they met the head security giving him the green signal and securing the surrounding areas.
The distance from the front door of the villa to the edge of the yard is around 300m,
Because of the contour of the landscape, the edges isn't really visible from the door, it is only visible from the second floor.
Finally both arrived at the edges, it was barricaded with a thick wall made of stone formation.
A lamp are installed on the wall for every 50m, the height of the wall is only about 120cm.
Edward stopped before reaching the wall and said, his expression is calm.
"Let's do the practice here, ah don't fly too high and try not to fly over the wall, we don't want some scary incident right?"
Lucia answered, her gaze is focused on something beyond the wall, she said with her index finger pointing towards the forest.
"Okay, btw Edward, east is in that direction right?"
Edward looked towards the direction she pointed and he smiled, he said.
"Yeah, maybe in around one and half hour we will see the sunrise, and when the first light of dawn shine the forest, we will start the first take"
Lucia imagined the beautiful sunrise bathing down the whole forest with its warm light, she smiled unconsciously.
The imagination makes her heart beat faster, sending shivers down to her body, with determination she started.
Sending mana towards her back, the mechanism of the magic are triggered, her black and white wings come out gracefully, embracing her from the back.
Winds picking up, her hair and dress fluttered, she closed her eyes for a second, feeling the atmosphere,
Then she fold her wings, a second later the wings catapulted her into the air for several meter high,
Opening her eyes, she looked at her feet, the ground looked smaller, she immediately started flapping the wings.
A second passed, she counted the time, one second, two, five, ten, twenty, and finally a minute.
She successfully floated for over a minute now, feeling of euphoria comes from her heart, she smiled brightly sending her gazes towards Edward.
She waved, and said with a cheerful almost tearful voice,
"Edward!! I did it!"
Edward felt her happiness and smiled back, his expression turning a bit sour after realizing that this indicates that she will soon leave for a long journey.
But he didn't want his friend to know about his feelings, because he himself didn't know if this feeling is a friendship or something else.
"Congratulations! How about trying to land for now?"
After hearing that, Lucia tried to lower the height, because of the difference between every other practices she did from what she need to do now,
She having a difficulty, before she only need to stop her wings and she will be able to land easily.
Now with several meters high, she need to do it properly,
'Uh.. Let's try lowering the intensity of the wing flaps, the frequency? The power? Alright!'
She lowered the frequency of the wing flaps but also lowered the power of the wing flaps, suddenly she lost height really fast.
Edward notices the dangers, he rushes to catch her before she falls to the ground.
Lucia of course immediately knows that she made a mistake, she immediately send more power to her wings and before she reaches the ground she's able to stop from falling.
Both did a long sigh, Edward sits down and said.
"You almost gave me a heart attack.."
Lucia's expression becomes awkward, and she apologizes.
"Ahaha sorry about that, I don't know that suddenly lowering the power delivered to the wings make me fall like that, i guess the combination for both is really complicated..
"I need to learn by instinct"
She finally able to land, with a smile on her face she gave Edward a hand,
Edward takes her hand and gets up from the grass.
"I'll go practice again, maybe you can try taking a couple videos for that"
After saying that, she flew again, but now she was able to have better control.
'This.. Really thrilling.. I can feel my adrenaline rushing!
"Ah.. What a wonderful feeling'
Feeling ecstasy, she flew with her feeling and instinct. She try to feel everything, from her intensity of the winds, the drops, the feeling of being suspended in the air, the control over her wings and body, and the freedom from the shackle name grounds.
She flew and flew without thinking anything, for once she was able to free from any thoughts of burdens.
Before she was always anxious about her future, her identity and her family and friends.
Now.. Just for now she was able to free from everything.
Just flying.
Edward looking from the ground carrying a camera, he was taking a couple photo and video, but because of the poor lightning, the results for photos is bad, especially because Lucia is flying quite fast.
Noticed that the flying might take a toll on her later, Edward tried contacting the head security to deliver a nourishment of snacks and drinks.
After half an hour Lucia finally landed, she was a bit spent from all the flying she did.
"Huft… that was fantastic, i want to continue flying, but i think my mana is a bit low, i guess flying takes not only energy for the muscle but also mana"
Her gaze landed on the drinks, without noticing a drink and snack already arrived.
Well she was too invested with the flying activities, she didn't even think of anything besides flying and body control, so she didn't notice this.
'Ahh i guess I'm a but lost on my thoughts, i don't even notice about what happened around my surrounding,
'I should practice to keep an eyes on everything around me, as this ability might be used for scouting or fleeing from the enemy,
'So i need to keep alert for my surrounding'
Walking to Edward's side, she sat down and take the drink.
Before drinking she didn't forget to give her thanks.
"Thanks for this Edward, oh did you get a good shoot?"
Edward smiled and nodded, then he gave the camera and said.
"I don't get a good shot yet, because the light and low exposure, i need to set this camera to take more light which making the video more blurry, anyway it will be solved in half an hour, it's almost sunrise,
"Oh actually you can see the sky is a bit brighter now, look"
Edward pointed at the sky, it's indeed brighter than before, especially the east.
Lucia looked at the sky while drinking her beverages with straws.
"Yeah.. Speaking about sunrise..
"I felt a strong feeling of sadness and joys, this feeling made me remembered the moment when me and my family having a holiday overseas in the past..
"Oh.. I forgot that i was never talked about this with you, want to hear my story?"
Edward look at her and said,
"Sure, I'm interested"
Lucia then looked down, she closed her eyes for a second, after a slow sigh she began her storytelling.
"You already know that I lost my parents in the past right?,
"This is about how it happened.."