My Training, My Resolve

Weeks passed by in near-perfect peace. Vivian woke me up each day as soon as the sun rose, urging me to learn different magics.

She taught me how to channel the energy around me and expel it from my fingertips as magic missiles. Although my projectiles were as small as needles, they managed to pierce through ripe bush berries.

When I tried harnessing the elements, it left the bushes—and a part of Vivian’s hair—singed with flames, and my clothes drenched with water. Vivian attempted to teach me how to imbue a weapon with magic, but it only resulted in a shattered waste of a sword.

I found myself remembering glimpses of the game I once enjoyed, and how easy it was to cast spells when all I had to do was click a few buttons. I should’ve expected the difficulty I’d face in a virtual simulation.

Day by day, from early morning to late night, I practiced the same set of spells. Although Vivian cheered me on with vigor, I couldn’t help but feel insignificant. I asked myself many times, ‘What use would a fireball be against an expert like Eris,’ but I always remembered how weak my current body was.

The greatest downside of learning from Vivian was the fracture it created between Finley and me. Although Matthias treated me the same as always— silently judging me from a distance, Finley’s supportive and friendly presence had turned into nerve-wracking, distant glares.

I kept to myself for most of those exhausting days, sleeping in the forest just past the training grounds. Although a few camp inhabitants offered to share their tents, I decided it would be better to distance myself.

~ ~ ~

The thin tree toppled over as I sliced its trunk with an enchanted sword. The enchantment faded quickly after, the sword returning to a dulled state.

Darn. Not long enough— not enough to show the strength of magic. Vivian’s taught me that not everyone can see the magical properties of an item. If I tried to show this to the others… I’m sure they’d think I’ve lost it.

I returned the worn-out sword to its place on the rack. I turned to gaze at the setting sun, the cool blue and orange sky reminding me of the eerie sight I saw before I met Eris.

I tried to use a wind spell to propel myself upward into a tree, but I failed to get halfway off the ground. I sat beneath the tree and leaned against its trunk. The leaves swayed with the light breeze, and the first star of the night began to shine above the horizon.

“Evening, Miss. Did you see an improvement?”

I looked up at the girl joining me, her stuffed companion now fastened to the belt at her waist. I shook my head and smiled, and she slumped down beside me. She passed me a wooden cup of water before sipping from her own.

“Vivian, you didn’t happen to grow up in the Arcane Sanctuary, did you?”

“I grew up in Master Burkhardt’s home, a day’s walk away from the kingdom. My father was also Master’s apprentice before me. Unfortunately, Eris had his home destroyed after we left.”

I took a few sips of water as I stared at the horizon. I combed through my memories, hoping that Leila had crossed paths with Finley or Matthias before. I found nothing, to my great disappointment. I sighed and stared at the night sky as the twinkling stars appeared.

~ ~ ~

I awoke in the early morning as the sky was brightening when I heard a rustling sound coming from the bushes beside me. A kind-faced woman, whom I recognized as the one who gifted me shoes weeks before, walked toward me holding a large wrapped parcel.

I rushed to stand up and greet her, and she held out her hand.

“Please, I’m only here on Finley’s behalf. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t come anywhere near you.”

H-Huh?

The woman continued to smile and held out the parcel. I slowly reached out and grabbed it. The woman placed a hand on her chest and bent forward slightly.

“My name is Caramia, and my sons' names are Herman and Adelbert. Please do not possess them, no matter how strong they may become.”

I stood still, dumbfounded. Caramia turned and began to walk away. I stepped forward with the parcel held to my chest.

“T-thank you!”

The woman turned her head slightly and kept walking. I untied the thread holding the parcel closed, and it unfurled to reveal a set of clothes. My eyes widened as I sat down on my makeshift bed and sorted the garments. I moved my hand over them, feeling the fabrics.

They look nice… and they feel nice. Despite whatever reservations that woman has about me, she put a lot of effort into making these. Sigh, I need to do my best to keep her family and everyone else safe.

I picked up the rose-red tunic and rubbed my face on the soft fabric.

Haah, man, am I happy to feel things again. I never realized how much I would miss this. I even missed the pains of exercise and fatigue.

I resisted the urge to sleep in and slipped on my new clothing. The fabrics were soft, durable, and I felt my body become warmed by the extra layering.

Now then, Miss Caramia said she brought these on Finley’s behalf.

I clenched my fists and started walking toward the tunnel entrance. The walls echoed with my footsteps as I headed toward the camp light.

I think it’s time I try talking to her… maybe if it goes well, I can try showing her how useful magic can be.

I spotted Finley and Matthias speaking to each other near the fire. I picked up my morning rations and stood a small distance away from them. Vivian approached me as I watched them from the corner of my eye.

“Morning, Miss Velda. I see you have new garments.”

“Yes, they’re very comfortable.”

I kept my focus on the two as they walked toward the exit tunnel. I could hear Vivian shuffling beside me.

“Ah… are you thinking of speaking to them again? I do not think they will listen. Maybe if you denounced me publicly—“

“No.”

I shifted my gaze to the girl beside me, whose eyes were constantly moving between me and my companions. I gritted my teeth and turned to watch them disappear into the tunnel.

“I’m going to speak to them as I am, and I’m going to make them see our side. Trust in me, Vivian, and in yourself.”

I gave the girl a final glance and sped off to follow the others. I closed my eyes briefly as I traveled through the tunnel, preparing myself for a difficult conversation.

I can’t remember many things anymore, but every step I take feels like I’m getting closer to a brandished knife. My instinct is telling me to turn back and run, but…

The bright sunlight blinded me as I exited the tunnel, and I lifted a hand to shade my eyes. Finley and Matthias stood in the center of the training grounds, both wielding wooden swords.

I lightened my footsteps and walked around to watch from under the shade. Although Matthias’s swordplay looked shaky, he blocked Finley’s hits with good precision.

Each swing of Finley’s sword made an audible sound as it sliced through the air, and I could see the weight of her strikes in the way Matthias’s sword jerked from each hit.

The sword in Matthias’s hands was knocked sideways from one of Finley’s hits, and she quickly swung a second hit at his neck. She stopped her weapon just before it hit him and smirked confidently.

I instinctively clapped, and their heads whipped in my direction. I clasped my hands and moved my eyes rapidly in every direction.

Shoot, this isn’t how I wanted to greet them.

“Don’t just stand there, idiot, get over here.”

Matthias yelled, and I rushed over. I stopped a few feet away and looked between them. I opened my mouth, but before I could speak, a wooden sword was tossed at me. It roughly hit my chest as I grabbed it.

“Ow, dude, what was that for?”

“‘Dude’?”

I glared at Matthias’s self-assured expression. He motioned to Finley as he addressed me again.

“Finley’s been falling behind on her training. Do me a favor and take over for a bit, yeah?”

Matthias walked off to stand just outside the dirt patch. I turned my head to look at the woman glaring at me. She sighed and pointed her sword at the ground in front of her. I moved to stand opposite her and held the sword in a ready stance.

Finley lowered her eyes and tightened her grip on the sword. She looked back up at me with a tense smile.

“Alright… Ghostie. Show me your determination.”

“… Mm.”

I hesitated before nodding, lifting my sword in preparation for a strike. Finley lifted her sword defensively. I moved forward to strike, letting out a shout.