It's been three days since my training with Tiana-san started. For now, we have stayed on the fourth floor. She mentioned that we could not advance until I could defeat a gang of goblins. To achieve that, I must train hard.
"Tiana-san, what about Set? He said we'd meet him on the seventh floor. Shouldn't we hurry?", I asked.
"That's more attacking and less talking. I already explained the situation to him and he gave us five days to at least improve your training. After that, we'll go up to the fifth floor and head to the seventh. You have nothing to worry about, Yuzuru, just concentrate on fighting," Tiana-san replied with determination.
My god, she's hitting me with her sword sheath! Her blows hurt so much. Maybe she's angry that I didn't manage to defeat that gang in these three days. She said that if I could defeat them, we could go up to the fifth floor or wait until the five days are over. This training is exhausting. We have been practicing for almost four hours now, my body is tired, my hands are blistered and my legs hurt like hell. I feel like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. Yet somehow, even though it's only been three days, my body feels a little lighter. The training is paying off.
"I told you! More hitting and less thinking, Yuzuru. Understand that this will determine whether you live or die in a fight," Tiana-san exclaimed, showing no signs of fatigue.
I have already become familiar with Tiana-san's fighting style during these three days, despite her multiple strikes. She analyzes the opponent's position and deduces where she should strike, as well as having an incredible reaction speed. However, I see an opportunity. There must be a moment when she can counterattack.
Here it is, when she raises her sword sharply to try to attack me. I step back, change hands and attack her horizontally. I am agile, so I must duck low enough and attack now!
At that instant, I noticed that her eyes reacted. This is my chance, I must seize it. Here goes my strike, Tiana-san! During these three hard days, I'll show you that I can too....
What? Why is he lowering his arm? What's he up to? She's left me unprotected.
"I give up! You always have to be two steps ahead of me, Tiana-san," I exclaimed in frustration.
"Yuzuru, you did well. You analyzed my combat and surely you saw that in that strike you could attack me when I was unprotected. But you didn't realize something: I did it on purpose," Tiana-san replied with a mysterious smile.
"Are you saying that all my effort was in vain?", I asked, discouraged.
"I didn't mean that. I did it to test you, I wanted to see what you would do in that situation. But really, you're a rookie and I didn't want to make you feel bad," Tiana-san explained calmly.
"Then why did you do it?", I questioned in confusion.
"Usually in battles, the times when you are most unprotected, at least from my perspective, are the times when you can gain the most advantage. Your enemy thinks you've fallen into his trap, but that's where you can overcome that situation and turn the tide of the fight. That's my way of fighting, taking advantage of those little moments to turn the situation around," Tiana-san revealed.
"You're right, when the situation is at its most critical point, one small move can change everything and turn the balance in your favor. What an excellent way to fight, Tiana-san!", I exclaimed excitedly.
"But to accomplish that, Yuzuru, you must be quick, resourceful and, above all, strong. If you are not, that moment will become your undoing," Tiana-san warned seriously.
"That's also true. That way of fighting is not bad at all, but if you are not strong enough or your enemy has more strength than you, you will be lost. There will be no escape. That's very scary," I reflected.
"That's why, Yuzuru, get up. We'll fight again, but this time we'll use some magic. Tell me, what can you do with magic?" proposed Tiana-san.
"Magic? Tiana-san, how do you use magic?", I asked in surprise.
"Really? You've never used magic before," Tiana-san questioned, amazed.
"I just never saw the point of using it," I answered sincerely.
"Okay, Yuzuru, I, Tiana, will teach you how to use magic. Are you ready?" asked Tiana-san eagerly.
"Yes, I am ready. After all we've been through these past nine months, at least I'm enjoying the journey," I replied with determination.