After Lusina had briefly left the party, Mika and Sougo engaged in a sword battle. As a result of each of their individual slashes causing a collision, Mika found himself at a disadvantage.
Mika's magic was in fact stronger than Sougo's, despite that, Sougo was able to defeat Mika as though they were on the same level.
With disbelief of the unexpected twist, "Hahaha, I didn't think I would come across a stranger who would later become my mentor. Glad I met you, I'm dying for an adventurous journey!"
Sougo remained with his serious gaze, "That day is still far ahead, focus on the present!"
Sougo, not a single day without his diligent effort, he trained like he was in debt to death. Although Mika's level of experience was many times higher than his, despite his tenacity, Mika was impressed by it. Their mastery of the elements increased, making them stronger overall.
Mika's level was higher than Sougo's, which was why he was far more adept at using elemental magic. Mika still lacked physical fighting ability aside from that.
"Time out time out time out!" Due to exhaustion, Mika requested to end the fight.
Sougo snorted, "Hmph, your wizardry has turned you soft. Strong in the face of magic, weak as a reed in the face of close combat. A piece of advice; a person who wields a spear of iron can't pierce through an iron shield, but not for the person who wields the wooden spear."
Mika was admonished by Sougo not to utilize magic as his helper. Sougo had been thoroughly studying magic, and this fatal flaw—decreasing one's vitality and stamina to the point that they would exhaust themselves earlier before the end of the battle—was what he had found.
Since he was more adept at controlling magic than Mika was, Sougo only reminded him to use it when he really needed to.
Mika finally figured out what Sougo had just said, "Words of wisdom from a master. Well, if I do say so myself, let me tell you that I am definitely improving. I recognize that you were aware that using magic would quickly wear me out, as it does for everyone. What you're saying is that all I need to do to get stronger is study martial arts or weaponry first, then combine them with magic." Sougo responded, "correct."
"I gotta say, you're improving in handling magic. Just remember though, don't be too surprised if an enemy doesn't use any, doesn't mean they can't use magic. Syyons are meant for stabilizers to use magic, not an ornament. I'm going through a repetitive explanation, aren't I?" Mika realized he had explained it for over 1 week, perpetually explaining Syyons.
"Skip to that part later, I am going for a supper." Sougo left the field, needing to replenish his energy. Their fight lasted well over 5 hours of non-stop sparring. with the exception of Sougo, who had no scars left on him, not even bruises.
Mika's body was fully whipped into shape because of Sougo's strict training. Undergoing his strict training, Mika had a lot of bandages, starting from his hands to his cheeks.
Mika eventually followed, "Hey, wait for me!"
After an exhausting training, they would then lie down, gazing upon the stars, waiting for their fish to be cooked on a bonfire. They caught a huge fish right before they started training; the fish was out of the ordinary and was a marbling, large, yellow tuna-like fish.
Relaxed with no conversation whatsoever as their eyes paid full attention to the stars.
Through awkward silence, Mika engaged a conversation with an unexpected topic, "Mister Sougo, you're married, aren't you?"
"From the picture I last saw the day I nursed you, were you looking for a way to get back to your previous world?"
"I mean... you don't need to tell me about it; it's okay. Sorry for putting my foot in it..." Mika apologized after he discovered Sougo's reaction to the topic he was about to discuss.
Sougo closed his eyes, knowing his curiosity would bother him again, "My family was already gone before I got here,"
"I've set my sights on my daughter's wish to restore peace, but I couldn't. Her death was in vain, and mine was the result of natural causes."
Sougo continued and Mika sat quietly and listened.
Sougo recounted his story about his background while Mika expressed all his expression through face and head gestures.
Sougo eventually told him many strange things about his world: meals, animals, his family, and his life from the day he became a samurai which finally ended after 15 minutes while eating the grilled fish.
Mika with a heartfelt expression, "A lot has happened, huh? I can't believe you went through all that. Truth be told, I don't really get along with my family, since I never really know them..."
"That's also the main reason why I want to explore the world. Who knows? Maybe you and I will find our answers. I'm just the type of kid who loves solving mysteries too, you know?"
Mika said with a sheepish laugh that his reason was unknowingly unexpected. Sougo was later convinced of Mika's story to be similar than his: finding the whole truth of this world.
"If the day ever comes that you and I will sort out our problems, I want to cherish my whole life for the person who gave me into this world and live my life in this peaceful place I never had..." Sougo's gaze never left the sky, enjoying every moment he had in this idyllic world.
"Hahaha, I guess you really love this place, huh?" As Mika's laughter filled the air, a sense of camaraderie and warmth.
"Anyway, this might be a bit... silly thing to ask, but.."
Amidst the lighthearted moment, Mika's unexpected plea for Sougo's well-being brought a touch of solemnity to the conversation, prompting a puzzled expression from Sougo.
"Please don't die..." Mika's simple yet odd request made Sougo dumbfounded, even making his sharp gaze faltered instantly.
"Magriyu, Lusina, and you are the only friends I had. I've never traveled far, and I've never encountered someone as special as you all. It's a strange thing to say, and if you believe I'm socially awkward among people, you now have your answers." His admission of the profound value he placed on their friendship and the uniqueness of their bond struck a chord with Sougo and Lusina.
Sougo's gaze somewhat softened from Mika's words alone.
With a cheerful grin, Mika playfully declared, "This will be our greatest adventure yet, I just know it!" his optimism shining through his words as he looked forward to the trials and triumphs that awaited them.
As night descended and weariness settled in, Mika suggested they retire for the evening, signaling the end of their conversation. With a yawn, he rose from his seat, signaling the conclusion of the day's events.
With a shared sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead, they bid each other goodnight, retreating to their quarters to rest and prepare for the challenges that awaited them in the days to come.