Reiko vs Student

We see Zalmiuth and Ayla in the training ground. Ayla was demonstrating her sword movements with a long stick.

Zalmiuth watched her in surprise. 'Wow, she's really good at this...' he thought.

For a little girl, she was quite skilled. Ayla swung the stick with precision, her movements fluid and controlled. She executed a series of complex maneuvers: swift strikes, graceful parries, and powerful thrusts. Each motion was precise, showing a natural aptitude and a fierce determination.

Zalmiuth couldn't help but smile. "You've really got the hang of that, Ayla."

She paused, slightly out of breath but beaming with pride. "Thanks, Zalmiuth! I've been practicing a lot."

He nodded, impressed. "It shows. Keep it up, and you'll be unstoppable."

Ayla grinned, her confidence bolstered by her brother's praise. "Just wait until I get a real sword. I'll be even better!"

Zalmiuth laughed. "I'm sure you will."

Suddenly, a voice was heard, making the two kids turn to the sound of it. It was Reiko.

"It seems that my student is showing off her skills, huh?" Reiko said with a smile.

Ayla beamed excitedly. "Ah...Miss Reiko!"

Zalmiuth looked at her with curiosity. "Where are the others?" he asked.

Reiko turned to him. "They're busy doing their smarty stuff that I absolutely don't care about," she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Ayla giggled. "Miss Reiko, you always know how to make things fun."

Reiko grinned. "Well, someone has to keep things interesting around here. Now, Ayla, show me what you've got!"

Ayla stood silent. "Wait...we're going to fight?! A-all of a sudden?!" she asked, surprised.

Reiko grinned. "Of course. You showed your brother the skills you can make...what about showing him the rest?" she said, taking a training stick.

Ayla turned to look at Zalmiuth, uncertainty in her eyes. He gave her an encouraging nod.

"You've got this, Ayla," Zalmiuth said. "Show her what you can do."

Taking a deep breath, Ayla nodded. She faced Reiko, gripping her stick tightly.

"Alright, Miss Reiko. I'm ready," Ayla said, determination replacing her initial hesitation.

Reiko smiled approvingly. "That's the spirit. Let's see what you've learned."

The two squared off, Ayla's stance steady as she prepared for the unexpected challenge.

Ayla and Reiko squared off, the tension in the training ground palpable. Ayla tightened her grip on the training stick, her eyes locked onto Reiko's. Without warning, Reiko lunged forward, her speed startling. Ayla barely managed to parry the initial strike, their sticks clashing with a loud crack.

Reiko's movements were precise and powerful, each strike delivered with surprising strength. Her muscular build, usually hidden beneath her clothes, was now evident as she moved with agility and force. Ayla was quick, her footwork nimble as she dodged and countered, but Reiko's experience showed. Every time Ayla thought she had an opening, Reiko was there, blocking or redirecting the attack effortlessly.

Ayla executed a swift combination of strikes, hoping to catch Reiko off guard. She swung her stick in a wide arc, aiming for Reiko's side, but Reiko blocked it with ease, countering with a sharp jab that Ayla barely dodged. They moved in a blur of motion, the sound of their sticks clashing echoing in the training ground.

Despite her best efforts, Ayla began to tire. Her movements grew a fraction slower, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Reiko, on the other hand, seemed almost tireless, her strikes as powerful and precise as when they started. Sensing Ayla's fatigue, Reiko increased the intensity of her attacks, pushing Ayla back step by step.

Ayla tried one last desperate maneuver, attempting to feint and then strike at Reiko's exposed side. But Reiko saw through it, easily sidestepping and sweeping Ayla's legs out from under her. Ayla hit the ground with a thud, her stick clattering away.

Reiko stood over her, offering a hand to help her up. "You did well, Ayla. Remember, it's not just about strength and speed. It's about strategy and endurance."

Ayla took her hand, getting to her feet. She was disappointed, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes. "I'll get better. I'll keep practicing."

Zalmiuth, who had been watching intently, clapped his hands. "That was incredible, Ayla. You fought really well."

Reiko nodded in agreement. "You have great potential, Ayla. Keep honing your skills, and you'll be a formidable warrior."

Ayla smiled, her resolve stronger than ever. "I will. Thank you, Miss Reiko."

Reiko suddenly turned to Zalmiuth. "And what about you, Prince?"

Zalmiuth's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh... fighting me?!"

Besides being a mage and necromancer, he was quite the fighter back in his old days when he used to wield a claymore.

Zalmiuth turned to Ayla, who had stars in her eyes. It seemed that someone wanted to see some action.

Zalmiuth sighed and got up. "Fine..."

He took a stick and positioned himself in front of Reiko. The tension crackled in the air as they both prepared for the mock battle.

Reiko smirked and clenched the stick.

As soon as they began, Zalmiuth moved faster than Reiko anticipated, surprising not only Reiko but also Ayla and even himself. His movements were swift and precise, a testament to his past training as a fighter.

Reiko managed to counter some of Zalmiuth's attacks, but it was evident that he was struggling. Zalmiuth's newfound speed and agility were catching him off guard, making it difficult for him to keep up.

Despite Reiko's efforts, Zalmiuth's relentless assault eventually wore him down. With a final decisive strike, Reiko stumbled and fell to the ground, defeated.

Zalmiuth stood over him, breathing heavily but victorious. Ayla cheered excitedly, impressed by her brother's unexpected prowess in combat.

Reiko, though defeated, couldn't help but grin. "Well fought, Prince. You've certainly improved."

Zalmiuth extended a hand to help him up, a smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Reiko. It was a good match."

As they walked away from the sparring area, Ayla beamed at her brother. "That was amazing, Zalmiuth! I didn't know you could move like that!"

Zalmiuth chuckled, feeling a sense of pride swell within him. "Yeah...thanks."

Zalmiuth: (Wow it seems that not only my aura grown up..even my movement.)

Suddenly a voice called Zalmiuth and Ayla, it was Selena.

Selena: Guys, is time for your bath..!

They look at each other and nodded. They both wave at Reiko and they left.

Reiko stood alone seeing Zalmiuth with curiosity and interest.