Are You Troubled?

“Take a deep breath. Hold your stance.”

“Control your breathing. Maintain your stance.”

To Yuushin, it almost felt like a dream. One buried within a memory—something that was so familiar and yet, at the same time, unreal.

“Get acquainted with its weight. Its feeling. How cool it is before it warms in your hands.”

“Feel the ground beneath you. Sense the world surrounding you. Concentrate on your spirit—make it connect with your surroundings.”

Yet where his memories brought a bitter and old ache to his heart, Vel’s voice carried with it a soothing, refreshing rain. One that muddled the waters of his past, giving space to something new to be born and grow.

Still…

How long will she make me keep holding the sword like this?

Yuushin had his right leg raised, one hand holding the sword mid-air while he used his right arm for balance.

And his legs were shaking.

It’s been more than twenty minutes…yet if I ask for a break, she will hit me for sure.

Suppressing a groan, the man continued to persevere. In pain.

“Why did you stop controlling your Soma?” It was funny. Vel spoke without a single hint of threat, then why did Yuushin feel a shiver running down his spine?

“S-sorry, I got distracted.”

Jay, whenever you are…

…I owe you big time.

Because that weapon was saving his life.

From what Heidi told him, that was a practice weapon for beginners to get better at controlling and manipulating the energy flows in their bodies, while also transforming into whatever suited the student best. Though it could be used for mana, those kinds of Tuning Weapons were usually given to Soma users.

Which was why Yuushin found it so easy to use his Soma back at that place, and why he improved his control so much. Yet in that particular moment, the weapon was helping Yuushin to remain on his feet while Vel glared at him.

At least we are practicing outside.

Perhaps it was because of all those years training in his grandfather’s dojo, but Yuushin found that training in open spaces helped him focus more.

Almost seven minutes later, the female demon stepped away from the shadowed casted tree, the sun reflecting her raven black hair. “Stop. It’s enough, for now.”

“Hah, finally!” Yuushin dropped to the floor with a sigh, sweating. As he wiped away the sweat with his shirt, suddenly a waterskin appeared in front of him.

“Drink this. It will make you feel better.”

Yuushin smiled, a relief spreading from within as he thanked her and started drinking its contents. Bit by bit, the man felt some of his exhaustion fading away—his energy returning.

I wonder what is this thing she keeps giving me…

They were supposed to meet Johnny and Heidi back at the inn around noon, since there were still a lot of things to be discussed about their plans moving forward. Things like when to strike, how they would even approach the Arch Bishop, and what other enemies they would likely have to face.

Like that tiger knight, from before…

I hope I can fight her again.

But before he could get too lost in thought, Vel’s voice reached him again.

“It troubles you.” The certainty in her tone and words confused him for a moment, and noticing this, she spoke again. “What your allies told you about the priest. Your mind was not focused on the training today.”

Yuushin held his breath, somewhat surprised she was able to tell.

Or maybe I don’t have a good poker face…

The man clenched his fists, something wrapping itself around his heart. Making it anxious. Restless.

When Yuushin asked about Lyr, Heidi told him the last thing she heard from Jay—on the night they left the group—was how the priest was going through some disciplinary action due to his "misconducts". And after what the Arch Bishop did to Yuushin himself, he was worried.

He was afraid of what that man could’ve done to Lyr.

“…sorry. You are taking the time to teach me, and yet I—“

“Do not apologize, Retsugo Yuushin.” Her voice was calm, soft. And when she sat by his side, a gentle breeze brushing against her hair, a sweet scent filled the air. “A hero does not run from what ails their heart—they become stronger, so they can face it.”

Vel turned to him, her lilac eyes piercing deep into his. And somehow, even though he was controlling his Soma well, Yuushin couldn’t prevent his heart from racing. His body from getting warmer.

“So whatever you hold dear in your heart, do not let it be tainted by fear and reluctance. Instead, make them your strength. Make them be what you fight for.”

As he fell into her gaze, there was so much Yuushin could sense yet not quite grasp. So many things he wanted to ask. So many things he couldn’t begin to comprehend.

…is this what you are doing too, Vel?

Her lone fight against Veritux. Being the last of her race. The last ruler of her people. How much of the sorrow in her eyes was caused by regret, and how much was made by scars she would never heal from?

…how is that, after so long, you are still fighting?

What is so dear to you that you are willing to die to protect?

Yet Yuushin only smiled, suppressing the urge to ask. To pry.

“Thank you, Vel.”

If she ever wants to open up, I will be here.

And if there was anything he could do to lessen that sorrow—

He would.

                                                                          ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

“You are too weak.”

Though Vel spoke with no hostility in her voice, her words themselves made the three of them flinch.

They had regrouped back in the inn, this time in Heidi’s room—since it had a bigger table—yet even before they started discussing their strategy—

“If we confront Veritux now, as you are, you’ll all die.”

Yuushin knew the demon was right, but still…

“That’s a bit harsh…” Johnny mumbled, averting his eyes. “It’s been only a month since I started practicing, y’know…”

Vel shook her head, no change in tone or expression.

“I do not blame you. However, this is your reality right now, and you must be aware of the fact. Though our target is Arch Bishop Decimus, we will be forced to go through his guard first.”

That theryan knight…

I’m sure she’s part of it.

As the thought of facing the tiger knight once again, Yuushin felt his heart racing. He really needed to get stronger.

“You answer by Heidi, yes?”

“Y-yes!” For some reason, the woman gave Vel a salute.

“You must find a way to fight, or help us in battle. Orsyr is home to many great artisans—find one who is, at least, a Grand Stellar master.”

Grand Stellar? Are there even more levels apart from those initial three?

“And you, young man—”

“Call me Johnny, o great Queen of Night!”

Vel did not even bat an eye as Johnny bowed at her, her tone unchanged.

“Our numbers are small, and with myself and Retsugo Yuushin, we’ll have a decent offensive power. Due to your affinity with primeval magic, you must focus on healing and barrier spells.”

The man smiled, pointing at himself as he let out a laugh. “Way ahead of ya! I will be the best cleric you've ever witnessed!”

Vel frowned for a moment, as if confused by the word.

Before she could turn to Yuushin, however, he opened his mouth.

“That knight, I want to beat her.” When he spoke, they all turned to him. And as the words left his mouth, Yuushin could feel a fire spreading within him—its flames anxious. Determined. “You said I should be close to an Arch Priest level, so how much stronger do I need to be?”

For a split second, Vel seemed almost surprised by his question. But then he noticed something in her gaze, like a faint spark.

“As strong as a Stellar Bishop.”

A grin formed on his face, his heart racing more and more. “And what do I need to do to get there?”

When Vel reciprocated his smile, the man got even more excited.

“We must find you a Soma master.”

His brows frowned. “But didn’t we come here to—”

She shook her head, Vel’s smile getting a bit brighter. “Not any master. Someone from the Nine Fangs—one of the best of them. And I know where she lives.”