45: Inside Camp III

The second day of Defolta's time here in camp basically remained the same and uneventful. During the day, she would go about with June and watch some drills from the newly recruited rangers while the others go on with their daily soldier lives performing their respective duties to keep the camp operation running.

At the end of the day at five in the afternoon, Defolta would meet up with Yolan to continue her Archery training.

Defolta proved to be a student that every teacher desired, due to how attentive she was, her positive willingness to learn, and how quickly she absorbed the lessons that were being indoctrinated to her.

While her aim still had room for improvement, she can at least hit where it counted.

It's no bullseye, but hey, if Defolta aimed for the head, but the arrow instead landed on the target's chest, then at least she did some damage from a safe distance.

Of course, if said enemy possessed an impenetrable body armor, then it would be another story, and being accurate in combat may spell the difference between life and death.

Having another long-range option aside from her range assassination via dagger throw or her Magical Bolt to do plenty of wanders and add more options in taking down her foes.

Not to mention, using a bow only cost Stamina rather than her Magical Bolt which was limited to Mana and may even risked her in getting Dementia if she overused the spell.

And speaking of spell, Defolta could not help but wander something. After firing her recent arrow that landed her a bullseye, she asked Yolan, "Your Magic, is it possible that I can learn it too?"

"You wish to integrate magic in your archery?" Yolan questioned with a serious look, "It is possible, yes, but I'm afraid I have to refuse."

"May I ask, why?" Defolta inquired about the fox-girl's refusal.

"For starters, you ought to be mastering the basics, first, silly. It's still your second day and you are not consistent with hitting your shots true yet." Yolan chuckled heartily to disperse the tension of the conversation, "It's not that I don't want to, but you just can't, no offense. The way of Magic Archery is quite a complex endeavor that requires both the mastery of the bow, and proficient understanding of the magical arts. If I teach you with your current skillset, then it may backfire horribly. I hope you understand."

"I see." Defolta frowned but accepted her explanation nonetheless, "Very well, I shall respect your decision."

"Thank you." Yolan smiled in appreciation, "Of course, this does not mean that door is closed for you. Should you succeed in mastering the bow in the future, then come back to me. I'll be more than happy to teach you. Of course, if I'm unavailable for some reason, then you may seek out another Magic Archer from the other Eagle Ranger corps or even from the Arkanus Sorority."

"I'll take your words to heart." Defolta nodded with a smile of her own, "And I would prefer it if you were the one who is going to teach me. I'm not going to anyone other than you."

Considering that Yolan was chill, friendly, and easy to talk to, then it's only natural for Defolta to prefer her over other Magic Archer candidates as a mentor.

"Is that so?" Yolan's expression turned livelier, and she was slightly caught off guard by Defolta's last touching remark. To her credit, she quickly regained her composure and answered with her usual cheerful demeanor, "Then you know where to find me, oh dear student of mine!"

After their conversation, training continued as usual, with Yolan adding some new lectures and archery tips to the mix.

***

On the third day, Defolta heard some loud cheering while she was walking alone around camp.

This time however she was not with June. The little girl decided to remain inside their cabin and read the books that she procured back from Matilda's camp in the bandit camp instead.

"Skin that whoreson's hide!!"

"Fight, fight, fight!!!"

"Come on, is that all you got, milk drinker?!!"

"I'm betting my money on Randalf!!!"

Defolta wondered what the ruckus was all about and decided to go to the ongoing scene.

What she found was a crowd gathering in a small arena as two men inside were witnessed to be fighting against one another with just their fists.

"A brawl?" Defolta pondered as her eyes were glued to the ongoing fight.

"Indeed, Lady Defolta." A familiar voice was heard from her behind.

Turning to her back, it was none other than Gregor himself as he joined Defolta to her side.

"Gregor? Did not expect to see you, right here of all places." Defolta was wondering why the commander of the ranger camp himself was here in the arena.

"Even a commanding officer needs to unwind himself off from time to time, "Gregor chuckled at the Magical Girl's confused expression, "It's quite unhealthy being stuck inside the office the whole time for the whole day without any rest."

"Yeah, I get you." Defolta understood, "So, you enjoy this kind of violent entertainment, huh? Wait a sec… is this even allowed?"

"Of course. I even endorse it, personally." Gregor nodded, "These kinds of fights are simply a friendly competition between two fighters. Once the brawl is over, there's no hard-feelings, and may even foster a deeper bond as we communicate and understand with one another with our fists, hahaha."

"Our fists…" Defolta contemplated while she stared at her own two hands, "I suppose I get where you are coming from. At the end of the day, nothing is more than satisfying than sharing both sweat and blood with our dear comrades as we either triumph or fall on the field of battle."

"Indeed. It appears we are of the same mindset, Lady Defolta." Gregor was pleasantly surprised by her response.

"And this brawl right here…" Defolta added her own opinion, "It also served as a good training, I guess. I mean, should a ranger got disarm of their weapon for whatever reason, it's assuring that they still got their trusty fists to rely on and throw hands at their enemies."

"Spoken like a true warrior!" Gregor grinned gleefully at her answer, "If I did not know any better, then I may have mistaken you for a mercenary or perhaps… even a soldier."

"Nope, no military background whatsoever." Defolta denied it calmly. She then begun justifying her answer with a lie, "You can thank my gramps for being one hell of a drill sergeant."

"I see." Gregor replied. He eyed the ongoing brawl for a moment before eyeing Defolta once more and asked, "Then is it safe to assume that are you capable of fighting unarmed?"

"Yeah, I can hold my own if worse comes worst." Defolta answered, "Why do you ask?"

"Excellent." Gregor smiled satisfactory, "I have a favor to ask, if you don't mind."

Defola opted to remain silent and eagerly awaited what Gregor was going to ask of her.

"Will you do me the honor of fighting me, Lady Defolta?"