The days blurred together in a rhythm of effort and repetition.
Morning came with the scrape of wooden blades and the sharp crack of impact. Afternoons burned with muscle fatigue and measured breathing. Evenings ended with aching limbs and quiet satisfaction.
Akari sparred with Elen again and again.
At first, she lost every exchange.
Then she began to block.
Then she countered.
And eventually, she held her ground.
"Again," Elen said, calm as ever.
Akari stepped forward, blade raised.
Their swords collided, neither yielding.
Elen pressed.
Akari adjusted her footing, letting her mana reinforce her legs just enough to stay balanced.
She slipped to the side and tapped Elen's shoulder.
The yard went silent.
Elen lowered her sword.
"…That is enough for today."
Akari froze. "D-did I do something wrong?"
Elen turned to face her fully.
"No."
She studied Akari with the same careful attention she once reserved for threats.
"With your current level of swordsmanship," Elen said evenly, "you could match a top C-Rank adventurer."
Akari's eyes widened.
"…Me?"
"Yes."
The word landed heavily.
C-Rank. Not weak. Not helpless.
Akari gripped her sword, heart pounding.
"I didn't think I'd improve this fast."
"You did not," Elen corrected. "You improved because you listened. You did not rush. You respected the blade."
She paused.
"And because you have exceptional potential."
Akari blushed faintly. "Thank you."
Elen nodded once. "Do not let it go to your head."
Akari smiled. "I won't."
That afternoon, Elen led Akari away from the training yard and into a quiet room deep within the house. The walls were reinforced with mana inscriptions, faintly glowing.
"This room suppresses magical overflow," Elen explained. "If something goes wrong, it will not spread."
Akari swallowed nervously. "…That sounds serious."
"It is," Elen replied. "Now sit."
Akari obeyed, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Elen stood before her.
"You have learned how to control mana," she said. "Divine power is similar, but far less forgiving."
Akari nodded slowly.
"When you lose focus, it reacts," Elen continued. "When you fear, it answers. When you feel threatened… it awakens."
Akari clenched her fists.
"I don't want it to hurt anyone."
"Then you must stop seeing it as a weapon," Elen said firmly. "Divine power is not meant to be unleashed blindly. It is meant to exist."
She placed two fingers against Akari's forehead.
"Close your eyes."
Akari did.
"Do not pull your power outward," Elen instructed. "Do not suppress it either. Let it rest within you, like a sleeping flame."
Akari focused.
At first, the warmth surged, bright and eager.
Her breath caught.
"No," Elen said quietly. "Slower."
Akari exhaled.
The warmth dimmed, not fading, but settling.
Her chest felt… calm.
Stable.
The air shimmered faintly around her, then stilled.
Elen withdrew her hand.
"…Impressive," she murmured.
Akari opened her eyes. "I did it?"
"For a moment," Elen replied. "And that moment is proof you can learn."
Akari smiled softly.
Elen straightened.
"From now on, we will train your divine power the same way we trained your sword."
Akari tilted her head. "One step at a time?"
"Yes," Elen said. "With discipline. Control. And restraint."
Akari nodded firmly.
"I'll do my best."
Elen allowed herself the smallest smile.
"Good. Because when Lady Lyra returns…"
She turned toward the window, gaze distant.
"…the world will not give you time to hesitate."
Akari followed her gaze, heart steady but resolved.
I'll be ready.