Hinabe in Trouble?

With the blazing sun hovering above the morning sky, I woke up full of energy and raced towards the training ground.

I can’t believe I’m starting a training arc! Back in Japan, I was very lazy. I had no motivation. I’m even surprised I’m excited about this.

The doors guarding the training ground were unlocked for me. I hurried down the stairs with my Tri-Carver in hand. Garlan patiently waited for me in the center of the arena. King Endo was also present. However, he refused to wait for me and started practicing his sword technique by swinging the air.

Garlan sensed my presence. “You’re early.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to learn under your wing!”

For the next several weeks, I was under Garlan’s care. He explained that he would only teach me how to hold a blade. He refused to show me his feather magic that he showed the king.

The prince’s bodyguard noticed the Tri-Carver in my hand. “You don’t need that black sword. I don’t know how to use its abilities. So, let’s start with the basics. Take one of these weapons on the table.”

What he said made sense. This was Mr. Satori’s, so I imagined only he knew how to unlock its true capabilities.

I headed to the nearby table, which was scattered with weapons. There were many different styles of blades to choose from. I decided to go simple and chose a regular sword.

Before the session started, A fully recovered Anojin waltzed down the stairs with his shield holstered. I heard his heavy footsteps behind me and turned to face him.

“There’s no way you’re going to train without me!” Anojin shouted.

“Looks like it,” I replied. “After regaining my weapon, I need to understand how to wield it properly. Why do you want to train with me?”

“I’m not training with you. I’m training against you. I cannot let you be the one to protect Miss Amada and Miss Hinabe… That’s my job!”

Garlan kindly interrupted our bickering. “My apologies, crusader. I am only training Mr. Satori because I am a swordsman. I do not know if I can teach a crusader anything.”

Anojin's eyes narrowed, agitated by Garlan’s words. He wasn’t angry with Garlan. He was frustrated because I was getting stronger and he wasn’t.

The king overheard the commotion and paused his sword training. “….I will train him.”

Everyone’s eyes averted to the king in shock.

Garlan questioned the king’s declaration. “My King?”

Endo clarified his proposal. “That crusader’s skills are exceptional. Though I may not be able to train him, I could use his blocking skills to train myself. He could be my test dummy.”

The nerves on Anojin’s neck twitched visibly. “Test dummy?! I don’t care if you’re royalty, I’ll show you who’s the test dummy.”

The king kept his composure and looked away from Anojin, paying no attention to his insults. However, his attitude provoked the crusader. As everyone had paired up with their training partner, our training session started.

…

With each passing day, we ruthlessly trained our skills. Garlan taught me good footwork, handling a blade, and how to preserve energy when swinging. At times, he would spar with me to gain experience.

King Endo and Anojin sparred with each other every day. The king viewed the crusader as solely a test dummy. On the other hand, Anojin wanted to show off his skills, creating a personal rivalry with the king.

The crusader still had his daily use of his spell. However, his body slowly strengthened after each battle. His improvement was minor, so he still constantly relied on his spell. Even when he used his spell, Endo refused to hold back and attacked the crusader’s paralyzed body.

Amada and Hinabe stayed in the mansion, accompanying the prince and the princess. Amada remained with us throughout the entire arc. I don’t blame her. Free food. Free hospitality. It’s definitely an upgrade compared to the apartment.

While we practically moved into the royal mansion for the time being, Hinabe left after a couple of days to head back to her hometown. Amada told us that the elf frequently visited her family. Maybe Hinabe felt homesick…

Captain Yuro consistently came back to the mansion, requesting that we accept his challenge. We rudely refused his offer every time. The guard stationed at the front door constantly brought him the sad news. Yet, he was persistent, returning the next day.

Why can’t that guy take the hint?!

Apparently, a week before my training arc finished, Yuro stopped visiting us. Maybe he did take the hint…

As I learned everything I could with Garlan, I felt my body growing stronger and my swordsmanship improving. Before I realized it, a whole month had passed.

…

The final session arrived. Garlan and I sparred with each other in the arena. My movement felt smoother, and my footwork felt great. I swung my sword at Garlan with ease. Although he effortlessly defended my attacks, my strikes carried more power with them.

On the other side of the battlefield, King Endo and Anojin dashed around the arena. The king unleashed his attacks, enhanced with his feather magic.

Anojin improved his reactions and speed to match his partner, but could not replicate his technique. Compared to the start of his training, he managed to survive longer in his battles.

Once our bodies grew tired, our sparring came to an end. Anojin lay flat on the ground, forced to use his block spell.

My body, full of bruises, felt sore. My breath grew heavier. I tried to catch my breath. Despite my current condition, my overall stamina and durability drastically improved.

While the crusader and I tried to regain our strength, the king and Garlan stood tall, showing the difference in their abilities.

The royal family and Amada entered the arena to see our progress. Amada and the royal siblings approached Garlan and me.

“Great job, Mr. Satori. It appears your training session has come to an end,” said Garlan.

Prince Kaito curiously asked his bodyguard. “How did Takumi do?”

“To be fair, he did shock me…”

I shocked Garlan?! That must mean that I improved so much that it went beyond what he originally thought. He underestimated me!

Garlan continued his train of thought. “… That being said. I’m afraid Mr. Satori might be unteachable.”

“Huh?”

A look of shock appeared on Kaito's and my faces. “What do you mean, Garlan?”

Garlan let out an embarrassed sigh. “Prince Kaito, I tried to teach him the basics. For someone like Mr. Satori, I assumed he would pick it up rather quickly. However, Mr. Satori is very uncoordinated. His attacks are weak. His footwork is poor. I would have an easier time training you, Prince Kaito.”

My self-confidence shattered as my body flushed with embarrassment. Prince Kaito noticed my disappointment and tried to console me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. I could hear Amada and Anojin desperately trying to hold in their laughter.

The princess rudely chuckled at my expense, pleased to see my failure as the king improved his skills.

Why did he say that? I felt myself growing stronger while I trained. I thought I was stronger, maybe even on par with the king in terms of swordsmanship.

Was that all a lie…? Am I just someone who's not cut out for this?

…

As everyone laughed at my failure, Petri, the servant guarding the front door, sprinted to the arena. He bent over, resting his hands on his knees.

Garlan looked over at the tired servant. “What’s the matter, Petri?”

“There’s someone here, asking for Mr. Satori and his team.”

“Tell him to-” I had assumed Yuro had returned once again to challenge me and the king. However, I could not have been further off.

Petri cut me off. “It’s an elf. She insists on discussing something important with you. She says that your elf team member named Hinabe is in danger.”

“?!”

The silence lingered as everyone’s eyes widened. Questions quickly clouded my thoughts. Who was that person claiming to know Hinabe? How is she in danger?

Anojin raged, trying to wiggle around. “Miss Hinabe is in danger?! This can’t be! Somebody pull me up! She needs my help!”

I tried to keep my composure. I asked Petri, “How does she know she’s in danger?”

“I’m afraid they didn’t say anything else. You would have to ask them yourselves.”

Without a moment to lose, Amada and I rushed to the front door, leaving the crusader behind. Out of a kind gesture, Garlan picked up the crusader and escorted him to the mysterious elf. The royal family was nosy and fell behind shortly.

If something did happen to Hinabe, then we had to save her. We travelled through the mansion and arrived at the front door in search of answers.

…