No one had ever teased her like this before, but the feeling... seemed quite nice? Though she was a bit annoyed at first, upon reflection, she felt that this was the natural response between friends, rather than sugar-coating her mistakes with flattery. Being with Feld felt very natural and genuine. However, she felt she should still show a bit of anger, or else this rascal would think she was easy to tease. So, she restrained her smile, turned her lips slightly downward, and chased after Feld, who was starting to run off. If she didn't catch up soon, Feld would disappear. If she got lost again, Feld would probably laugh all night.
After a while, Feld found a suitable camping spot. "This is the place I found earlier," Hilda said joyfully, and Feld agreed that it was a good spot, proving her choice right.
"But you got lost," Feld pointed out.
Hilda's expression turned sour. "If you make fun of me again, I won't talk to you!"
"Haha, alright, I won't make fun of you anymore. As compensation, I'll tell you one of my weaknesses," Feld said with a smile.
"What weakness?" Hilda was immediately intrigued. To her, Feld was powerful in all aspects, so she was curious about his weaknesses.
"My weakness is that I can't use magic," Feld replied.
Hilda was stunned. "Is that a weakness? Many warriors can't use magic."
"But I'm a mage, you see this hammer? It's my magic wand," Feld explained. "Actually, I've always been a mage who smashes people with a magic wand. I just look a bit muscular."
Hilda stared at Feld in disbelief before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha, there's no mage like you!"
Feld chuckled along. "Alright, you've made fun of me too. Are we even now?"
Hilda crossed her arms and pouted. "Alright, let's call it even, just a little bit."
But Feld didn't mind. He just found Hilda even more adorable.
"Let's start building the campsite. I think those two trees are good. We can use them as supports, lay a tree trunk in the middle, and make a roof with wide leaves..." Feld began working while explaining.
He was very efficient, and in no time, he had constructed a simple yet practical temporary campsite.
Hilda looked on in amazement. The campsite was simple, just a shelter made of wood, hemp rope, branches, and leaves, with a thick layer of wood shavings underneath for sleeping. In front was a campfire pit made of stacked stones, filled with firewood ready to be lit. Around the campsite was a fence made of small wooden sticks, neatly arranged.
"Is this it?" Hilda asked.
"Yeah, it's temporary, so it doesn't need to be too complicated," Feld replied. He then took out two sleeping bags from his spatial ring and placed them on the wooden shavings inside the shelter.
These were the sleeping bags he had bought earlier when replenishing supplies. After all, the outdoor temperature was a bit low, and Chichi was afraid of the cold. One of the extras was now for Hilda.
"You and Chichi can sleep in here tonight," Feld said.
Hilda nodded, feeling somewhat excited. She had never used a sleeping bag before. Although it wouldn't compare to her bed at home, it would definitely be much more comfortable than sleeping on branches. Plus, this campsite gave her a sense of fulfillment and anticipation that she hadn't experienced during her solitary adventures.
She looked forward to the next few days at the campsite.
Then she noticed that there were only two sleeping bags. "What about you?" she asked.
"Do you think I can fit into a sleeping bag with my build?" Feld gestured to himself. "Besides, I'll be fine with the campfire."
"Okay..." Hilda replied, then with a raised eyebrow and a flick of her hand, a beautiful wooden table appeared in the campsite, complete with delicate tea sets and snacks.
Feld was taken aback.
Pleased with herself, Hilda said, "You provide the campsite, I provide the afternoon tea. Isn't that nice?"
"Haha, indeed it is," Feld chuckled.
True to form, Hilda managed to maintain elegance and refinement wherever she went.
"The camp is set up. Next..." Field spoke slowly.
"A duel!" Hilda promptly interjected.
Her eyes burned with intensity as she looked at Field, eager for another bout after the valuable lessons she learned from their previous encounter. She had pondered over it deeply last night and practiced in the morning, discovering genuine improvement in her swordsmanship.
Thus, she yearned to showcase her progress before him.
Moreover, she was determined to regain lost pride following Field's jests earlier.
Just a small victory, a tiny one, but it would balance the scales.
The scales, that is, until this next battle was won!
However, Field responded, "We should first survey our surroundings, lest we inadvertently draw bloodthirsty creatures with the noise of our sparring."
"Oh…" Hilda felt slightly dejected.
In truth, Field wasn't concerned about any nearby Bloodlands. If there were indeed such creatures, they would have been attracted by his laughter earlier. There was no need to wait.
He deliberately mentioned it to momentarily disappoint Hilda, only to then grant her request.
"But if you wish, let's spar," Field chuckled.
Hilda's face lit up with delight.
See? Emotional ebb and flow - essential elements.
Though seemingly insignificant, positive emotional fluctuations can significantly foster rapport between two individuals. They create an ongoing sense of joy that eventually becomes second nature. Spending time together would naturally evoke happiness, which could then evolve into affection.
Field was well-versed in human psychology.
"What if the Bloodland is close and our sparring attracts them?" Hilda questioned, displaying her rational side.
Field smiled. "Wouldn't that be ideal? It narrows down our search area and quickly locates the Bloodland, eliminating the need for extensive investigations."
"True!" Hilda instantly accepted his reasoning and eagerly moved to an open meadow, unsheathing her slender blade.
"Come on, I hope you'll use your warhammer this time!"
Confident Hilda.
Now was the moment for a gentle setback.
"I'm afraid not," Field shook his head.
"Why? I've improved, haven't I?" Hilda's cheeks puffed out.
Vivian liked to tuck her chin while Hilda preferred to puff her cheeks – both charming traits.
"It's not that I don't want to, but I cannot," he explained.
"My hammer is heavier than your sword. Breaking your weapon during sparring might delay our investigation."
"No problem, I have backups!" Hilda replied.
"How many swords do you carry?" Field couldn't help asking.
"Six!" Hilda smirked.
"So many? Why didn't you bring extras last time?" he asked.
"Because I didn't have them last time. That's why I prepared extra this time." Hilda gloated.
Field's lips twitched. A mini tycoon indeed.
Yet, he still shook his head. "Let's use daggers instead. Besides, I need to teach the kitten combat skills. She can learn from this."
At his words, Chirpy hurriedly retrieved her dagger and handed it to Field, then excitedly positioned herself to watch the match.
Reluctantly, Hilda nodded. "Alright… But mark my words, someday, you'll only have your warhammer against me!"
Field grinned, gripping his dagger and assuming a stance. "Then come at me, same as before. You start."
Hilda agreed and took a stance.
In the next instant, Hilda leaped forward, turning into a golden blur before arriving at Field's side, her slender sword aimed directly at his throat!
Field's eyes widened.
Beautiful strike! He praised inwardly.
Indeed, she had taken his advice to heart and swiftly adapted, a rare trait.
It showed her innate talent in swordplay, enabling rapid self-improvement.
A true genius!
His guidance had paid off.
As he said, she used to hold back, now, she sought to defeat him without reservation.
With her healing potion, even if Field was left with a breath, she could save him. This realization freed her to unleash her purest intent to kill, enhancing her sword technique.
Before, holding back slowed her, but now, her strikes were swift and fierce!
Field had to dodge with all his might.
Dodging sideways, the sword narrowly missed his neck. However, Hilda deftly altered its trajectory, sweeping horizontally towards his throat.
If it landed, even with her controlled force, Field's neck would have been sliced in half!
Fortunately, Field anticipated her move. As he dodged, he already leaned forward and turned his head aside, avoiding the blade grazing his cheek.
Even the fine hairs on Field's face could feel the razor-sharp edge.
Unprepared for his evasiveness, Hilda stumbled. She caught herself on Field's shoulder, launching herself high into the air. Her long legs gracefully formed a split, and the sharp sword pierced towards Field's back.
Thinking she'd hit her target, Field suddenly dropped low and lunged forward. Hilda's blade merely grazed his clothing, causing no harm.
How could someone so large be so agile?
Surprised, Hilda was yet to witness more astonishment.
After his leap, Field didn't roll but spread his arms, landing on his palms and pushing off powerfully. Like a rubber band, he bounced back in the exact opposite direction, feet together, his wide footpad expertly striking Hilda's stomach.
Still in mid-air, Hilda flew away, crashing several meters away. Her sword slid two meters upon impact, and Hilda clutched her belly, her face filled with shock.
The reaction, movement, strategy, and skill were entirely new to her!
Field hadn't shown his full potential yesterday!
Having landed with one hand supporting himself, Field inverted, performing a flawless somersault to stand upright.
Such body control left Hilda awestruck. She even believed Field's massive frame could rival her agility.
"This is today's lesson: avoid jumping in front of enemies unless you possess exceptional aerial maneuverability. Otherwise, it may mean death," Field chuckled.
Nodding solemnly, Hilda understood the gravity of the situation.
Had Field's heel held a weapon or chosen to squeeze rather than push, she would've perished moments ago.
But excitement mingled with her fear; this defeat would fuel her growth!
Field's teachings were invaluable!
Bring it on, she resolved, raising her sword, pointing its tip at Field.
Golden light flickered around her, her blue eyes turning golden, indicating her serious intent.