After enduring an hour of intense combat with both Reimu and Kasen, they finally decided to call a halt.
"Alright...! Let's take a break!" Reimu said before walking away, leaving me alone with Kasen.
Collapsed on the ground, I struggled to catch my breath, my entire body aching from relentless onslaught.
Kasen looked down at me with a grin, seemingly unaffected by the exertion. "Not bad for a first time, Shun."
I managed a weak smile through my labored breathing. "Th-thanks..."
"You've got potential, but you need to work on your stamina and reflexes," she advised. "And don't forget, it's not just about physical strength. Mental agility and strategy are just as crucial."
She extended her hand to help me up. "Come on, let's get you back on your feet. The more you train, the better you'll become."
I accepted her hand and slowly got up, wincing at the soreness in my muscles.
"I appreciate the training, Kasen. Even though I feel like I've been through a meat grinder."
But why the sudden though?
Break time came to an end after a few minutes, with Reimu walking out in a fresh outfit, clearly having changed due to the dust.
I couldn't help but give her a once-over look to make sure she was dust-free.
"Changed your clothes, huh?"
"Blame someone for kicking up all that dust," she retorted with a pointed glance at Kasen.
Kasen just chuckled before whistling, summoning an eagle that carried her away.
With her gone, Reimu turned to me with a serious expression.
"Ready for the next round?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Good." Reimu immediately began throwing amulets, each of which exploded upon landing. One caught me off-guard, causing me to stagger momentarily.
Then, in a flash, Reimu closed the distance, delivering a swift kick that sent me upwards. Before I could react, she teleported above me and kicked me back to the ground.
My landing today is less than graceful and it hurts!
Her face bore a faint smile as she beckoned me forward, her fingers gesturing me to attack.
I charged at her, swinging the Silver Blade that I could muster.
But every strike I aimed at her was deftly evaded, her movements were rather much more like playing tag game with me.
"Too slow!" She then unleashed a barrage of amulets in my direction.
I backflipped and sidestepped, doing my best to evade the amulets.
Just as I thought I had succeeded, Reimu teleported behind me and delivered a well-placed kick that sent me crashing to the ground once more.
"Isn't this training a bit... harsh?!"
Reimu gave a casual shrug, her tone nonchalant. "Oh, this is just a warm-up. I haven't even started using my spell cards yet."
I gritted my teeth and pushed myself off the ground, my body aching but determination surging within me. I couldn't allow myself to falter; I needed to prove that I could hold my ground against her relentless onslaught.
With renewed resolve, I squared my shoulders and tightened my grip on the Silver Blade. "Alright, Reimu. Let's see what you've got!"
Her pause was brief but loaded with meaning. "Shun... Why aren't you using your other sword?"
I didn't immediately answer, choosing instead to remain silent.
Reimu let out a sigh, her expression softening. "Shun... Do you understand why I'm putting you through this?"
I shook my head slowly.
"I see... then I'll have to make you seek the answer yourself." She nodded to herself, entering a battle stance once more. "I won't hold back any longer. It's time for me to use my spell cards."
She closed her eyes briefly, a faint bright aura enveloping her. As her eyes opened, I could see the shift in her demeanor, a sign that things were about to get serious.
At that moment, I couldn't comprehend why Reimu was subjecting me to this intense session.
Yet, deep within, a nagging feeling suggested that the answer was closer than I thought. Could it be that she saw something in me, something that required pushing me to my limits?
If that's the case then... I'll have to do my best.
Lady Remilia, Lady Flandre, Sakuya, Patchouli, Miss Meiling, Koakuma... I'll take back my position.
Please, have faith and wait for me.
I swiftly drew forth the crystal, its transformation into a gleaming sword familiar in my grip.