I stood in the middle of the training ground, gripping Eclipse Reaver tightly in my hand. Dante stood in front of me, his spear raised, as if ready to strike at any moment.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. This scythe felt like an extension of my body, but sometimes it was difficult to fully adjust to it. I was used to using a sword as my weapon, so having this scythe artifact was something new.
I stepped forward, swinging it quickly. But Dante easily parried my strike with his spear.
"Too stiff," he said again, and I growled inwardly. He always knew when I made a mistake, even before I realized it myself.
I gripped the scythe tighter and tried again. This time, my movements were smoother, trying to find the balance between power and speed. Eclipse Reaver sliced through the air, and I almost hit Dante, but he easily stepped back and deflected my strike.
"Better," he said, twirling his spear. "Now try to maintain your attack."
Before I could respond, he lunged toward me. His spear moved quickly, attacking from various angles. I was almost overwhelmed, but I tried to stay calm. With this scythe, I blocked his attacks, though each clash felt like it shook my whole body.
"Control your strikes, don't just defend," Dante said in the middle of his assault.
I knew he was right. I couldn't just keep defending. I had to attack.
Strengthening my resolve, I began to fight back, spinning Eclipse Reaver to cut through his attack path. My scythe moved faster now, each swing more deliberate, challenging Dante's defenses.
After a while, Dante halted his assault.
"You're starting to get the hang of it," he said, and I felt a bit of relief. "But don't let your emotions control the scythe."
I nodded, though my breathing was still heavy. "I can feel how I should be using it, but it still feels far from perfect."
Dante nodded in agreement. "We'll continue tomorrow. You've done well today."
The wind blew strongly. It was early spring now, but the air was still cold.
It had been one week since I officially became a Finire and received the artifact and insignia. Since then, I had also become a member of the Eden organization.
"Here is your towel, Miss," Dante handed me a small white towel.
"Thank you."
I used it to wipe the sweat from my face.
And with that, we both left the training ground.
I returned to my room to clean myself first. After all that training, my body felt sticky from the sweat.
Afterward, I had lunch in the cafeteria accompanied by Dante.
After lunch, we decided to head into town for a walk while getting myself accustomed to the capital. However, before we could leave the hall, Miss Sasha suddenly appeared in front of us. Her hair was neatly arranged as always, her face serious.
"Miss Eira, Dante, Master Zaroth is requesting both of you in his office," she said, her tone firm yet polite.
Dante and I exchanged glances.
"Master Zaroth?" I asked, a little surprised.
Uncle rarely summoned us so suddenly like this. It seemed something important was going on.
"Alright, we'll head there right away," Dante responded.
Hmm.
I wonder what this could be?
When we arrived, Dante knocked on the door and opened it. Inside, I saw two familiar figures, Joshua and Arion.
They were already there. Joshua greeted us with his usual bright smile, while Arion stood with his arms crossed, his face as cold as always.
"Good afternoon, Master," I greeted formally.
"Yes, good afternoon, Eira."
Uncle then nodded at Dante.
"You can all sit on that couch. Arion, take this."
Uncle handed a document to Arion.
We all sat down on the couch, with Dante beside me, and Joshua and Arion across from us.
"I am assigning the four of you to a mission," Uncle Zaroth said without preamble.
"A mission?" Arion asked.
"I've received reports of suspicious activity in Clementia. A team of investigators was sent there to investigate."
Clementia? I had heard of that place.
A small town known for the underground coal fire that had been burning for years and continued to smolder to this day.
"But a week ago, the command center suddenly lost contact with them. Their last report mentioned finding traces of the Dandelion Curse."
Uncle looked at each of us before continuing.
"I want you to find the missing team and investigate the curse further. The mission details are in the document."
"I appoint Arion as the leader of this mission," Uncle Zaroth added.
"When do we leave?" Arion asked.
Uncle Zaroth gave a slight smile. "Tomorrow. So prepare yourself today."
I glanced at Dante beside me, who gave a small nod of understanding.
We rose from the couch and walked out of the room.
"Prepare your gear, everyone. We'll discuss the mission plan after dinner," Arion instructed us before heading towards the dormitory alone.
"Well then, I'll get ready first. See you later, Eira-chan, Dante," Joshua waved as he departed with his usual cheerfulness.
We had one night to prepare. But I had a feeling this mission wouldn't be a simple investigation.
"Dante."
"Yes, Miss?"
"I'll prepare my gear first."
"Then I will assist you."
"No need. You should prepare your own."
We both then walked together toward the dormitory.
Once in my room, I started packing my things.
A few sets of clothes, toiletries, and money. Aside from the artifact and insignia, this should be enough.