Talent Vs. Experience

Yanma then takes a few steps back, waiting for me to attack.

She's got to be kidding me. Stop attacking and wait for the opponent!?

It's almost like she's telling me to show her if I'm really strong.

If it's going to be like this, I'm going to make her learn to respect me!

Air Magic takes over my body, making me have a bright green aura!

With just one step, I reach Yanma at full speed!

Magic is increasing my speed, I need to take advantage of it to imbue my attacks with it!

I make multiple stabs aiming at the woman's chest, she manages to defend herself, but not fast enough to counterattack!

I need to get faster, have more mana, and have more strength!!

"KYHAAA!" The thrusts become more and more intense, and, for the first time, I manage to be faster than her defense!

Small stabs damage the armor's chestplate!

Yanma's face has completely changed, before it was calm and confident, now it looks like she is uncomfortable.

Even though I make scratches on her armor as I attack, she still manages to parry most of my sword strikes.

I'm starting to get tired, but I can't slow down!

My sword is starting to give off... sparks?

The wooden sword is breathing fire!?

No, that's not it...

This must be Dragon Magic activating!

Damn, I no longer have the strength to continue at this speed.

I quickly move away, jumping back. When my legs touch the floor, I feel my knees give out, making me kneel on the floor.

Beads of sweat run down my face and drip onto the floor.

The surrounding riders cheer at the spectacle.

I think it was enough to show her that I'm not weak.

(Light Rods POV)

Finally, I found this place. It appears to be some kind of training facility...

This is not the time to think about this. Where's William!?

I see that there is a circle of riders drinking, as if they are watching something.

It must be there!

I run towards this cluster of armor, but my path is completely blocked by men.

"Excuse me." I start pushing and pushing through the crowd. "I'm passing." I say as I make them notice my presence.

I finally get a glimpse of William.

Is he kneeling?

When I finally make it past all the knights, I see him and a woman wearing glamorous armor in the middle of the circle. Both are holding wooden swords.

"Huh?" Everyone's attention turns to me. "Who is this kid?" Some riders ask each other questions.

"What's going on here!?" I ask, looking at William, who is kneeling and looks exhausted.

"I was…" he breathes heavily. "I was dueling." He completes.

Dueling? In his situation?

He should be resting, not fighting people!

I look at the woman, and she seems confused. In fact, your eyes are similar to the Asian eyes from my old world.

"You should be relaxing; you're not fully recovered yet. What are you thinking!?" I exalt myself.

"What am I thinking?" William asks. "I'm thinking about not being your shadow!" He gets up.

"Be my shadow?"

Was that why he was acting strange at lunch?

He doesn't want to be left behind. I think he must have felt useless in yesterday's battle.

"I'm already fine. There's no need to worry." He says.

Still, I don't know his condition. Children are often reckless in their actions. Maybe he pretends to be fine to appear strong. Not to mention, he looks exhausted.

"If that's what you think..." I say. "Just don't... cross the line. I don't want to have to worry." I say in a calmer voice.

"Relax. It won't happen again." He says with a reassuring smile on his face.