The Morning After


    Yuuto groaned as he sat up in bed, his muscles aching from the previous night’s duel. His arm was wrapped in light bandages, and his body felt like it had been run over by a carriage.


    "Damn… that bastard Rainer didn’t hold back."


    He glanced at the window. Sunlight filtered in, signaling the start of a new day.


    "Finally awake, lazy bum?"


    Yuuto turned his head slightly.


    Celia’s smug voice echoed in his mind.


    "I was wondering if you died in your sleep. Would’ve been a shame, considering all that effort you put in."


    Yuuto rolled his eyes. "Good morning to you too, Celia."


    "Oh? You’re in a good mood. Don’t tell me you’re excited to be bossed around by Elara all day."


    Yuuto stretched, feeling the soreness in his shoulders. "Actually, yeah. If I don’t train properly, I’ll keep getting my ass kicked."


    Celia snorted. "Well, at least you’re self-aware."


    Yuuto sighed and stood up, getting dressed. He was still new to this world, but he had no intention of staying weak forever.


    Today would mark the beginning of his real training.


    ---


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    The Training Grounds


    The training field behind Avaloria’s barracks was larger than Yuuto expected.


    It was a wide, open space surrounded by stone walls, with multiple sections dedicated to sword practice, archery, and mounted combat. Wooden dummies lined the edges, and the ground was covered in fine sand to absorb impacts.


    Yuuto spotted Elara waiting for him, her arms crossed, a stern expression on her face.


    "You’re late."


    Yuuto scratched his cheek. "Well, I just woke up—"


    "No excuses. Training starts now."


    She tossed him a wooden sword. "First, show me your stance."


    Yuuto held the wooden sword up, trying to recall what he learned from his previous fights.


    Elara frowned. "Your grip is too tight. Relax your wrist. And your stance… too stiff. You’ll tire yourself out in a real battle."


    She stepped forward and adjusted his posture.


    Yuuto felt her hand on his arm as she repositioned his sword.


    "Hold it like this. Keep your center of gravity balanced. Don’t overextend your reach."


    Yuuto nodded.


    Elara stepped back and drew her own training sword.


    "Alright, let’s begin with basic strikes. Follow my movements."


    ---


    The Training Begins


    For the next hour, Yuuto practiced swinging, blocking, and countering.


    Elara moved with fluid precision, demonstrating each motion before making him repeat it over and over.


    At first, it felt simple.


    Then it became grueling.


    Each time he thought he got it right, Elara would correct him.


    "Too slow. Do it again."


    "Your footwork is sloppy. Again."


    "Don’t swing wildly. Aim with purpose. Again."


    Yuuto’s arms burned with exhaustion. Sweat dripped from his forehead.


    But he kept pushing through.


    He remembered Rainer’s speed, his precision, his deadly accuracy. If Yuuto ever wanted to stand a chance against fighters like that, he had to become stronger.


    ---


    Celia’s Commentary


    As he trained, Celia’s voice continued chirping in his head.


    "Wow, this is painful to watch."


    Yuuto gritted his teeth. "Not helping, Celia."


    "I mean, come on. You’re getting beat up by a girl. Should I call this a romance story instead?"


    Yuuto sighed. "If you have time to make fun of me, why don’t you give me actual advice?"


    Celia snickered. "Fine, fine. Here’s a tip: Watch Elara’s movements carefully. Her precision comes from efficiency. Don’t just copy her—understand why she moves the way she does."


    Yuuto paused.


    He took a deep breath and focused not just on Elara’s form, but on her flow.


    She moved with purpose, every action economical, nothing wasted.


    Yuuto adjusted his own movements, imitating not just her technique, but her control.


    ---


    A Small Breakthrough


    Elara noticed the shift.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Hm. You’re improving."


    Yuuto exhaled, gripping his sword with renewed confidence.


    "I think I get it now," he muttered.


    Elara smirked. "Good. Now let’s put it to the test."


    She raised her sword. "Try to land a hit on me."


    Yuuto’s eyes widened. "Wait, already?!"


    Celia burst out laughing. "Oh, this is gonna be fun


    ."


    Elara didn’t wait.


    She charged.


    Yuuto barely had time to react as she came at him with blinding speed.


    "Shit—!"


    ---


    To Be Continued…