The Blade and The Wits

After a few minutes of walking, we arrived in a wide courtyard surrounded by various towers. The courtyard itself was bathed in warm sunlight, casting a cheerful glow on the training grounds. It was like stepping into a miniature fortress, with towering structures creating an impressive and slightly intimidating atmosphere.

As we stood there, taking in the sight, I noticed Ais glancing at the towers, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. I couldn't blame her for momentarily questioning whether Finn and I were plotting to lead Riveria straight to her.

In an attempt to ease her tension, I approached Ais and reassured her with a playful grin, "Don't worry, Ais. If Riveria shows up, I'll shield you with my magical prowess. No need to fret."

Finn chimed in, his voice calm and reassuring. "Indeed, Ais. I'll handle the explanation with Riveria. You can trust us to have your back," he said, offering his support.

Ais seemed somewhat convinced and nodded sheepishly, her apprehension slowly fading away. With a hint of determination, she prepared herself for the upcoming mock battle.

Finn then reached into a nearby chest and retrieved a training short sword, holding it out to Ais. He explained, "Today, we'll be engaging in a mock battle, Ais. Let's put your skills to the test."

Ais looked down at the sword, noting its dulled edges for safety, yet it still possessed a solid weight. I couldn't help but think that even a strike from it would be enough to leave a mark.

Turning his attention to me, Finn suggested, "Althea, as a mage, why don't you observe Ais's form and offer some feedback? Your magical perspective could provide valuable insights to enhance her combat skills."

I nodded, realizing that despite being a mage, I could contribute by providing constructive observations. With newfound excitement, I positioned myself to have a clear view of Ais's movements.

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Once we got into position, Finn gave Ais the signal to attack. With her sword at the ready, Ais shifted into a battle stance and charged at him, determined to land a hit.

But Finn, the elusive dodgemaster, effortlessly evaded her swing and gracefully sidestepped behind her with a cheeky grin. It was as if he were saying, "Not today, my friend!"

I couldn't help but observe the scene, marveling at Finn's calm demeanor while Ais's frustration started to bubble up.

He continued to bob and weave, avoiding Ais's wild slashes without breaking a sweat, all while engaging her in some banter.

As I watched their moves, I couldn't help but recall one of Riveria's lectures. She once mentioned that when someone receives a Status, their attacks gain force and speed, just like Ais's.

However, it became crystal clear to me that these powerful strikes, while handy against dungeon monsters, were like a neon sign pointing at Ais's moves for a seasoned adventurer like Finn.

Finn's evasive tactics seemed deceptively simple. He wasn't pulling out any fancy counterattacks or lightning-fast maneuvers. Nope, he relied on timing and agility, casually sidestepping Ais's blows like a pro. It kind of made me roll my eyes and think, "Okay, show-off."

Determined to lend a hand, I decided to cheer on Ais and throw her a bone of advice to outsmart Finn's fancy footwork. "Hey, Ais! Try mixing up your attack patterns and throw in some sneaky feints! Keep him guessing, like a squirrel trying to find its hidden stash!"

Ais caught onto my quippy advice and nodded, incorporating it into her fight. Bit by bit, she began to catch on to Finn's shifty moves, forcing him to up his game and parry her attacks.

Unable to resist, I couldn't help but shout another quip-laden tip. "Ais, after a parry, give him a taste of the ol' switcheroo! Change your attack angle and hit him from an unexpected direction! That'll leave him scratching his head like a confused chicken!"

Ais embraced my quippish wisdom once again, gaining a slight upper hand against Finn. He couldn't help but notice her progress and was genuinely impressed by her adaptability.

Riding on the waves of her improvement, I showered Ais with more quippy advice, sharing strategies to outwit Finn. "Ais, use your speed to fake a high strike and then zoom in for a lightning-fast leg swipe! Make him dance like a clumsy giraffe!"

With each snappy tip, Ais grew more skillful, catching Finn off guard and getting tantalizingly close to landing her strikes.

But alas, in the grand finale, Finn managed to escape her clutches one last time, dodging her final attack and countering with a mightier blow.

The impact sent Ais sprawling onto the grass, her training sword clattering beside her. She lay there, staring up at the sky in disbelief, unable to move another inch.

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Seeing Ais sprawled on the floor, I quickly rushed over, my concern etched on my face. "Hey, Ais, you took quite a tumble there. Need me to fetch a pillow for that bruised ego of yours?"

Ais nodded, as her defeated expression was hard to miss. Leaning in closer, I whispered with a playful tone, "Hey, don't worry, sis. Despite a few hiccups, you did pretty well out there. Just remember, battles aren't won by lying down, unless it's a nap contest."

Just as I finished speaking, Finn approached us, wearing a soft smile.

He looked at both of us and spoke calmly and honestly. "Ais, you did well with your determination and speed, but your attacks were still predictable. Your sister's advice helped, but you need to work on feinting and changing your attack patterns.

And as for you, Althea, your battle observations and advice were on point. You have a talent for strategic insights"

Ais and I exchanged wide-eyed glances, taken aback by Finn's unexpected praise. Compliments from a seasoned adventurer like Finn? Well, that's rarer than finding a goblin in a tutu.

Finn continued, his voice filled with honesty, "Remember, neither of you started out strong. It took a lot of training, adventuring, and, yes, studying to reach where you are now. Isn't that right, Riveria?"

"Yes," came a familiar voice from the entrance connecting the courtyard to the tower. We turned to see Riveria, who had been silently observing our mock battle all along. Sneaky, isn't she?

Riveria stepped onto the grass and made her way toward us, her expression softening. "I had much to learn, plenty to experience and practice," she shared, her voice brimming with wisdom and humility. "When faced with the unknown in this world, I sought to soak up every drop of knowledge to pursue my desires."

Riveria paused for a moment before extending her hand to Ais.

Ais looked surprised, her gaze shifting between Riveria's hand and her face. After a brief hesitation, she reached out and clasped Riveria's hand, accepting the unexpected gesture.

Unable to let the moment slide without a quip, I couldn't help but interject, "Looks like Riveria is starting to warm up to you, Ais. Mentorship in the making, perhaps?"

But before I could bask in the glory of my own wit, Riveria's piercing gaze turned toward me, causing me to instinctively seek shelter behind Finn. The captain couldn't help but chuckle at my reaction.

Finn took the lead again, his focus on Ais as he spoke with a gentle yet serious tone. "Ais, your wish... it's more challenging than our desires and goals. If you truly want to achieve it, you'll have to endure the trials we've faced and then some. Understand?"

Ais lowered her head, contemplating Finn's words, before nodding slowly.

Placing a reassuring hand on Ais's shoulder, I chimed in, "Don't worry, Ais. I'll be your trusty sidekick throughout this epic journey. Comic relief guaranteed."

Ais smiled softly, expressing her gratitude for the support.

Finn continued, "I can't give you and Althea permission to explore the dungeon just yet. However, whenever Gareth or I have the time, we'll conduct physical training sessions with you, like today."

Ais looked surprised, her eyes gleaming with newfound hope.

Finn added, "We'll teach you how to fight, just as you wished. But in return, you must keep up with Riveria's lectures. Strengthen both your mind and body."

Ais stood there, stunned and grateful, momentarily contemplating.

Sighing with feigned resignation, I couldn't resist one last quip, "Well, I guess there's no escaping Riveria's lectures. Time to sharpen those pencils and brace ourselves for a lecture marathon!"

But as soon as those words left my lips, I felt an icy grip on my head, sending a shiver down my spine. Terrified, I knew it could only be Riveria's doing. However, to my surprise, she gently patted my head, leaving me utterly bewildered.

Finn turned to Riveria, asking, "As an esteemed elder worthy of respect, any final words?"

Riveria, after a brief contemplation, broke her silence and directed her words to Ais and me. "I admit I may have been a tad intense before and mishandled the situation. My apologies."

Ais was visibly taken aback by Riveria's apology. She stood there, momentarily speechless, before finally nodding and finding her voice.

"I... I'm sorry too," Ais said, sincerity filling her words.

But Ais didn't stop there. She took a deep breath and continued, "Please, guide me in my studies. I promise to give it my all." Ais bowed her head respectfully, seeking Riveria's mentorship.

For a brief moment, surprise flickered across Riveria's face before transforming into a warm smile.

"Yes, Ais. I'll do my best to assist you," Riveria replied, her tone softened.

With the conversation coming to a close, I couldn't resist a parting jest, unable to resist my mischievous nature. "So, does this mean I can sprinkle our study sessions with my sparkling humor? You know, make the learning process more entertaining?"

"NO!" both Ais and Riveria exclaimed simultaneously, their voices leaving no room for negotiation.

I let out a dramatic sigh, realizing my dreams of injecting laughter into our study sessions had been swiftly crushed. Oh well, I'll save the jokes for later, when they least expect them.

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The next morning, as the sun painted the courtyard in warm hues, I found myself perched on a stone bench, watching Ais practice her swordsmanship. With each swing and thrust, she displayed a newfound determination and focus that filled me with pride.

Her goal, her wish to become strong, burned brightly within her. And I vowed in that moment to support her every step of the way, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As I observed Ais's graceful movements, a spark ignited within me. While Ais pursued the path of the sword, I felt a growing curiosity, an itch to explore the realm of arcane magic. It was a fascination that had lingered on the outskirts of my mind for far too long.

With Ais's dreams serving as inspiration, I made a decision. I would indulge myself in the study of arcane magic, delving into the ancient tomes and unraveling the mysteries of spells and enchantments. It would be a different path from Ais, but we would both embark on our own journeys of self-discovery.

As the days unfolded, Ais and I would train side by side, pushing each other to new heights. In between her sword drills, I would immerse myself in the arcane arts, practicing incantations and experimenting with spells.

Together, we would become a formidable duo, complementing each other's strengths and bridging the gap between sword and magic. Our bond as sisters would only grow stronger as we ventured further into the unknown.

And so, with determination etched in my heart, I watched Ais continue her practice, her form improving with each passing day. In that moment, I knew that the path we had chosen would lead us to extraordinary places, and I couldn't wait to see where our destinies would intertwine.

As the courtyard embraced us with its tranquility, I whispered to the wind, "Ais, my dear sister, we shall conquer our dreams together, with sword and spell, side by side."