Standing in place, the puppet "Servant" took its stance, then immediately began unleashing a series of low sweeping kicks, alternating continuously with both legs.
The sounds of "whoosh, whoosh" echoed with each strike. Every swing of its leg was like a whip cracking through the air, producing sharp gusts of wind.
Tris: "You see that? This is the move you'll be practicing today. First, try to imitate the puppet's outward movements. Then, combine it with the knowledge of controlling spiritual energy and muscles I explained earlier to see the results."
Hearing the instructions, Rin began to try.
Her movements only managed to mimic the outward appearance a little. The kicks were slow and weak, completely lacking power.
But this was exactly the result both Rin and Tris had expected. After all, it would be strange if she could perfectly copy it right away.
Watching Rin practice for a while, Tris started pointing out the mistakes.
He held Rin's supporting leg, demonstrating how to channel spiritual energy and muscle strength correctly.
Tris: "Remember clearly. The supporting leg must be firm and rotate precisely. Only then can the body stay balanced, and the other leg deliver a kick with real power."
Rin tried again, and the movements of her hips and joints immediately improved.
She began switching her supporting leg repeatedly, gradually building familiarity with each motion.
Tris: "If the supporting leg must be steady, then the kicking leg needs explosive speed, both when striking out and when retracting. The leg muscles must relax and tighten at the right moments…"
He carefully guided her step by step.
After the initial demonstration, Rin began practicing on her own alongside the puppet.
Meanwhile, Tris returned to the desk, opened books and papers, and studied more about magic. At the same time, he devoted part of his mind to controlling the puppet as Rin's model — a way to train his own focus and concentration.
. . .
Soon, the room showed the image of two identical girls facing each other, spinning and kicking into the air.
"One of them, dressed in her usual full outfit, moved with smooth and graceful motions.
Each kick was precise and identical, leaving powerful gusts of wind.
Her face did not show the slightest change even after a long time of training. Not a single drop of sweat appeared on that expressionless face.
She was, of course, the puppet 'Servant,' one of Tris's newest creations.
Opposite her, Rin was training hard, her face showing exhaustion.
To avoid dirtying her clothes and to move more freely, she had stripped down to only her underwear.
Her body was drenched in sweat, droplets flying off with each movement and wetting the floor beneath.
Her legs were numb, muscles burning like fire, yet she continued without stopping.
Rin felt she was close to mastering the move, so she refused to let the momentum slip away.
Sensing this, Tris turned from the desk and called:
"Rin, drink this." He tossed her a small water bottle.
After drinking, Rin felt her stamina recover somewhat. Even the fatigue in her legs and body eased.
Grateful, she thanked her master and quickly resumed practice.
With her exhaustion reduced, her movements became sharper and more precise. Combining this with the familiarity built from long practice, Rin finally delivered a low kick as precise as the puppet's.
Smiling with joy, Rin felt deeply satisfied that her effort had paid off.
Rin: "Master, Rin did it!"
Tris: "Good. Remember that feeling, and try to succeed with the other leg. Then tonight's training can end."
Rin: "Yes, Master."
After about five more minutes, Rin succeeded with her other leg as well.
Satisfied, she happily went to the bath to wash off the sweat.
While cleaning the sweat-stained floor with magic, Tris thought:
'I don't have many examples to compare, so I'm not entirely sure, but Rin's progress seems impressive. At this rate, she'll soon be ready to try real combat against Magical Beasts.'
Quickly planning the next day's tasks, Tris closed his books and stored the puppet "Servant," preparing for rest.
A long, tiring day had ended, and now his body longed only for a deep sleep.
. . .
Rin: "Master, just like Rin read in books, don't we need to take turns keeping watch at night?"
Lying on the bed in the dark room, she looked at Tris and asked.
She was still worried after hearing stories about dangerous cultists possibly lurking in town.
Tris: "Do you think I go to sleep without preparing anything?"
He used magic to light up the area above the wardrobe.
There, Rin saw a dark-colored bird staring down. The sight under the dim magical glow was eerie.
Startled, Rin snuggled closer to Tris.
Rin: "Master, what is that bird?"
Tris: "A puppet. And there's another one hidden on the roof outside."
Rin: "That's a puppet, too?"
She was astonished — it was her first time seeing a puppet not shaped like a human.
Tris: "In addition, this entire room is always wrapped in protective and warning magic. Finally, this residential area often has guards patrolling, which is another form of protection."
Hearing this, Rin realized how thoroughly the room was safeguarded.
And from the way her master spoke, it seemed he had been doing this every night.
She realized she had been too naive, underestimating his experience and caution.
Rin: "Master, you're amazing."
"From where she nestled against Tris's chest, in the darkness, the girl's eyes seemed to glimmer, shining with admiration and awe.
Tris: "Enough talking. Go to sleep."
He pressed her head down onto her pillow.
Rin: "Yes."
Knowing she was protected, Rin peacefully drifted into sleep.
Another quiet night passed.