Chapter 34

(Tareal Illitris POV aka. Yatsuragi)

"Again"

The clash of steel echoed through the training grounds, the sharp ring of metal on metal reverberating in the cool morning air. I moved swiftly, adjusting my stance and gripping my naginata more firmly as I prepared for the next strike. Across from me, Ornstein a towering, armored, and unwavering warrior studied me with his ever-watchful gaze. His golden armour gleamed under the sunlight, and his own weapon, the famed Dragonslayer Spear, was poised and ready, its deadly tip gleaming as if it held its own bloodlust.

Ornstein was a master of the spear. I wield a naginata that is completely different, but both weapons share enough similarities that sparring with him had become an invaluable training session. He moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his every strike precise, every feint calculated. For me, wielding the naginata was a newer art, something I was still growing accustomed to. I thought I would need to learn how to use a sword for battle, not this long, elegant polearm that demanded a different kind of finesse. Sparring with Ornstein was sharpening me, forcing me to improve in ways I hadn't anticipated.

I twirled the naginata in my hands, trying to remember the lessons from the last session.

I reminded myself to keep the balance of my weapon, adjusting my grip so that the weight of the weapon flowed naturally through each swing.

Ornstein darted forward, closing the gap between us in an instant, his spear aimed at my midsection. I parried, twisting my body to redirect the force, but his movements were fluid, almost effortless. He spun around, bringing the spearhead down in an arc. I barely managed to block it with the shaft of my naginata, the impact reverberating through my arms.

I gritted my teeth and pushed back against his weight, stepping to the side to create distance. He was right, of course. The naginata required both strength and finesse, a perfect blend of power and control. And right now, I was fighting it, rather than fighting with it.

"Again"

I heard Ornstein say signifying that I didn't pass his training for today. We normally continue like that until I achieve an increase in skills that he finds satisfactory.

This time, I initiated the attack, thrusting the naginata forward with a swift lunge. Ornstein blocked with ease, but I didn't stop. I followed up with a sweeping strike aimed at his legs, then quickly brought the blade up in a vertical slash, forcing him to step back and raise his guard. I could see the faint nod of approval in his posture, though his face remained hidden behind the lion-shaped helm.

"Better, but not good enough!"

I growled softly under my breath. No matter how many times we sparred, he always had the upper hand. It wasn't just his skill; it was his presence, his experience. Ornstein was a legend, one of the greatest knights to ever exist in his world, and his aura radiated that dominance.

I twirled the naginata again, watching the blade slice through the air with a satisfying whistle. In many ways, this weapon was long, sharp, meant to slice through anything in its path and most importantly this weapon was me.

We ended the sparring session with mutual respect, both knowing that improvement would come through time and effort. As we rested on the edge of the training grounds, I looked around, admiring how far the area had come.

Ornstein's decision to form a knight's squad had been a brilliant one. He had taken it upon himself to train others, just as he had trained me. I watched now as several figures moved in the distance, his new recruits, the ones he had personally chosen to lead and mould into warriors under his command. Among them, I could see Ninya and the other members of the Swords of Darkness.

Ninya, in particular, had shown promise. Though she had originally been more of a magic user, Ornstein had seen potential in her for close-quarters combat. Under his guidance, she was quickly becoming proficient with a spear, though she still preferred to use her knowledge of magic to enhance her strikes. The rest of the Swords of Darkness were there too, each honing their respective skills. Ornstein didn't hold back on them; he was as strict with them as he was with me, pushing them to their limits and beyond. They were becoming stronger, and more disciplined, and it was clear that they respected him deeply.

And then there were the "blanks," the souls without identity or memory who were made out of those unimportant souls. They were like empty vessels, devoid of history but filled with potential. Ornstein had taken a few of them under his wing, moulding them into capable fighters, teaching them how to wield weapons and fight with honour. They were still rough around the edges, but under Ornstein's leadership, they were shaping into something formidable.

As I observed them all, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

Took a moment to admire the town from where I stood. The streets were laid out in neat, orderly rows, each one bustling with activity. Shops lined the main thoroughfares, selling everything from weapons to supplies, while homes and barracks were scattered throughout, built with both function and beauty in mind.

Shops? How do they trade and with what?

I got curious and approached one shop to see and what I noticed made me realise.

They are trading with spiritual energy. The stronger the spirit is the more they have and produce, so that reeds a problem. The stronger ones are the 'rich' people while those weak ones cannot even store the said energy from those stronger.

There is no such thing as a 'wallet' for soul energy. I went to see Khajit and talked with him about it, but he said he is working on that and I should care about it. It will be handled by him.

Deciding to trust him and his capabilities I left it at that.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts, the familiar presence of the system speaking directly to me, as it often did at times.

[System Notice: (methods of world travel had been unlocked) As an entity that transcends realms, your existence along with your wielders, will be recognized in each world you enter. Upon arrival in a new world, you will be assigned a suitable background that fits the local context. This background will adapt to the needs of that world, allowing you to integrate seamlessly into its history and structure.]

I processed the message, my mind turning over the implications. So, this was it. Lady Atsune and I wouldn't be travellers in an unknown world, we would be entities tied to the very fabric of each world we entered. The system, in its infinite complexity, had decided that we would not be strangers or anomalies, but instead, we would fit into each world's narrative as if we had always been there. Our roles, our identities, and our very pasts would be shaped to align with the needs of each new realm.

This is very convenient.

As I looked over at Ornstein and his recruits, I wondered what stories we would become a part of in the future. What battles would we fight? This is so exciting.

With a final glance at the training grounds and the newly constructed town, I tightened my grip on the naginata and smiled. The future awaited both me and her.