Bang!!!
The impact echoed across the training grounds.
Hiro's body lifted off the ground like a ragdoll before crashing hard against the dirt, the air violently knocked out of his lungs.
"Gah—!"
Pain exploded across his abdomen.For a moment, he couldn't breathe.
His vision blurred as he rolled onto his side, clutching his stomach.
What kind of martial arts training is this?!
Through watery eyes, he looked up.
Yurei stood in the distance—calm, composed—
Holding a spear,not just any spear.
A long, elegant weapon radiating a faint crimson glow, its blade impossibly sharp, humming with restrained power.
Hiro's eye twitched.
That's not martial arts—that's attempted murder!
"I can feel your irritation from here," Yurei said, walking toward him with slow, measured steps.
Each step carried quiet authority.
"Captain… don't you think you're being a bit too hard on him?" Bailey asked, wiping sweat from her forehead, faint streaks of paint still clinging to her arms.
"He needs to learn how to fight," Yurei replied without hesitation. "And nothing teaches faster than real combat."
"But it's not fair!" Hiro groaned, forcing himself onto one elbow. "You have a weapon!"
Yurei stopped in front of him then she lifted the spear slightly.
"This isn't just a weapon," she said calmly, "it's my Imperial Gear—Longinus."
The name itself seemed to carry weight.
"When you face other Imperial soldiers," she continued, "they will use their gear without hesitation."
Her crimson eyes locked onto his.
"So stop complaining."
Hiro clenched his teeth.
"…Tch."
She was right and that was the annoying part.
Swallowing both his pride and pain, he forced himself upright. His legs trembled violently beneath him, muscles screaming in protest.
Still—
He stood.
"Good," Yurei said, a faint hint of approval in her voice. "Now—what did I teach you?"
Hiro wiped the sweat from his brow.
"…Look for an opening."
"And?"
"You don't have one," he added bitterly.
Yurei smirked slightly.
"Correct."
"So what's your next move?"
Hiro's eyes sharpened.
"I can't overpower you. You're stronger, faster… more experienced." His breathing steadied.
"So my best move is—"
Before he finished—
He scooped a handful of dirt of nd threw it straight at her face.
"—THIS!"
In the same instant, he dashed forward, fist cocked back, aiming straight for her face.
For a split second—
Yurei closed her eyes but her body moved instinctively.
Her spear shifted.
Clang!
She blocked the punch effortlessly.
"Agh—!"
Pain shot through Hiro's knuckles like lightning. Before he could react—
Thwack!
The shaft of the spear slammed into his abdomen.
"GUH—!"
He was sent flying again. This time, he hit the ground harder. Dust rose around him.
He coughed, gasping for air.
"…That… hurt…"
Yurei walked toward him again.
"A primitive tactic," she said, "but effective."
She stopped in front of him.
"At least you can think under pressure."
Hiro groaned. "That doesn't feel like a compliment…"
"It is," she replied.
Then—
"From tomorrow, you'll train in martial arts every day."
Hiro froze.
"…Every day?"
His face drained of color.
"T-that'll kill me…"
"Better you die in training," Yurei said coldly, "than in battle."
Her words struck deeper than any attack.
Hiro fell silent.
Because she wasn't wrong.
If I can't even defend myself…
…then what's the point?
Slowly He pushed himself up again.
"…Okay."
His voice was shaky—but firm.
"I'll do it."
Yurei watched him carefully.
He adapts fast… she thought.
From the side, Daisy crossed her arms.
"For an idiot, he learns quickly." Elira nodded silently.
Then Marian stepped forward.
"Captain, I think it's time for his beast training."
Hiro's head snapped toward her.
"…Wait."
A pause.
"Can we do that tomorrow?"
"Nope," Marian said cheerfully. "We leave for the tour tomorrow."
Hiro's soul left his body.