The clang of steel rang out across the training grounds, reverberating like a sharp melody of battle. Rin stumbled back, her boots scuffing against the dirt as she narrowly avoided Evelyn's sweeping strike. Her chest heaved with exertion, each breath coming in ragged gasps. Sweat trickled down her temple, stinging her eyes, but she didn't dare wipe it away. Instead, she tightened her grip on the training sword, its hilt slick against her trembling fingers.
Across from her, Evelyn stood poised, the very picture of composure. Her stance was unwavering, her feet firmly planted, and her blade held with practiced ease. Her sharp, calculating eyes never left Rin, assessing her every move with an intensity that felt almost predatory.
"Not bad," Evelyn said, her voice calm but edged with challenge as she began to circle. Each step she took was measured, deliberate, like a predator toying with its prey. "But you're thinking too much. Trust your instincts, or the blade will trust them for you."
Rin adjusted her footing, the weight of Evelyn's words sinking in. Trust her instincts? That was easier said than done. Her mind raced with the endless corrections and techniques Evelyn had drilled into her: balance your stance, keep your guard up, control your breathing. It all tangled together in a chaotic mess that left her second-guessing every movement.
"Easier said than done," Rin muttered under her breath. She lunged forward, her blade slicing through the air in a quick, desperate arc. For a fleeting moment, she thought she might catch Evelyn off guard.
Evelyn's response was effortless. With a fluid motion, she brought her sword up to parry, the clash of metal ringing out like a sharp retort. Before Rin could recover, Evelyn twisted her wrist with a flick so precise it seemed almost casual. The force wrenched the sword from Rin's grasp, sending it clattering to the ground several feet away.
The disarm was as much a lesson as it was a statement. Evelyn's precision wasn't just a product of skill; it was the result of unshakable confidence. Rin groaned, rubbing her wrist as she stared at her fallen weapon, frustration bubbling up inside her. "You make it look so easy," she said, her tone a mix of awe and irritation.
Evelyn lowered her blade, the faintest hint of a smirk playing at her lips. "That's because I've been doing this for years," she replied, her voice steady but not unkind. She stepped closer, extending a hand to Rin. "Combat isn't just about strength or speed. It's about confidence. Trust yourself, Aria."
Rin hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took her hand. Evelyn grip was firm, steadying her as she pulled Rin to her feet. "I'll get there," Rin said, determination flickering in her eyes like a small but steady flame.
Evelyn's smirk widened into something resembling a genuine smile. "That's the spirit," she said, clapping Rin on the shoulder. "But for now, let's take a break. You've earned it."
Exploring the Arsenal and Weighing the Options
After their sparring session, Rin wandered toward the weapon racks lining the edge of the training grounds. The array of options was dizzying—swords, spears, axes, whips, and more exotic choices like chakrams and glaives. Her eyes lingered on a sleek bow; it was gleaming under the soft light.
Evelyn approached, wiping her blade clean. "Thinking about switching weapons already?" she teased.
Rin shook her head, a thoughtful frown on her face. "Not exactly. I'm just trying to figure out what suits me best. The sword and dagger are fine, but… they don't feel right."
Evelyn leaned against the rack, crossing her arms. "What do you mean?"
Rin picked up the bow, testing its weight in her hands. "My class—Guide is a support role. I'm not meant to be on the frontlines like you. As a Guide, I'll be in the back, directing and supporting the team."
Rin thought inwardly, and as a Beast Tamer, my tamed beasts will be the ones fighting up close.
She set the bow down, her gaze shifting to a set of throwing knives. "Using a close-range weapon doesn't make sense for me. I need something that lets me fight from a distance, where I can stay safe and still contribute."
Evelyn nodded slowly; her expression serious. "That makes sense. So, what are you thinking?"
Rin exhaled, her thoughts racing. "There are only so many options for long-range attacks. The most obvious is elemental aura abilities, like Kael's fire or Finn's lightning. But I'm not an elemental Esper, so that's out."
Evelyn's lips quirked into a small smile. "True. Kael and Finn have that covered."
"Exactly," Rin said. "So that leaves weapons. Guns or bows and arrows. Both have their pros and cons."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Rin began pacing, ticking points off on her fingers. "For one, they're resource-dependent. Bullets and arrows are consumable, so I'll constantly need to restock. And carrying them around is a logistical nightmare. Imagine running out of ammunition in the middle of a fight."
Evelyn frowned, considering. "That's a valid concern. Running out of resources at the wrong time could be fatal."
Rin stopped, turning to face her. "Exactly. That's what's holding me back. How do I get around that?"
Evelyn sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Honestly? I don't know. I've always relied on close-range combat—swords, blades, and my aura abilities. I've never had to think about ammunition or range."
A Decision Takes Shape
Rin returned her gaze to the bow, her mind churning. "Still, I think a bow and arrow might suit me. Guns are powerful, and I'd need extensive training to use both of them effectively. A bow is quieter, and it feels… more natural."
Evelyn tilted her head, watching Rin carefully. "You think you can handle the drawbacks?"
Rin hesitated, her fingers brushing against the bowstring. "I'll have to. If I can find a way to manage the ammunition issue, it could work. I can look into enchanted arrows that can be reused."
"That's not a bad idea," Evelyn said, nodding. "And you've got the patience for it. Learning to use a bow takes time and precision, but I think you'd be good at it."
Rin smiled faintly. "Thanks, Evelyn. I'll give it a try."
Evelyn clapped her on the shoulder. "Good. But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're switching weapons. If anything, I'll push you harder."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Rin replied with a grin.
Testing the Bow
Evelyn led Rin to the precision range, a section of the training grounds designed for ranged combat. Targets of varying sizes and distances were scattered across the field, some stationary and others moving unpredictably.
Rin nocked an arrow, her fingers trembling slightly as she drew the bowstring back. The weight and tension felt unfamiliar, but she adjusted her stance, remembering the basic principles she'd read about.
"Focus on your breathing," Evelyn instructed, standing behind her. "Relax your shoulders. Let the tension flow through your body, not into your grip."
Rin exhaled slowly, releasing the arrow. It flew wide, missing the target entirely and embedding itself on the floor.
Evelyn chuckled. "Not bad for a first try. You'll get the hang of it."
They spent the next hour practicing, Rin gradually improving with each shot. Her arrows began to hit the outer rings of the target, then the middle. By the end of the session, she managed to land a few near the bullseye.
Evelyn crossed her arms, a hint of pride in her eyes. "See? You've got potential."
Rin lowered the bow, her arms aching but her spirits high. "Thanks, Evelyn. I think this might actually work."
As they walked back to the apartment later that day, Rin's mind was already racing with plans. She would need to find a reliable source of arrows, possibly look into enchanted quivers or self-replenishing supplies. She'd also need to train her beasts to complement her new fighting style, ensuring they could cover her weaknesses.
Evelyn glanced at her, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You're thinking too hard again."
Rin laughed softly. "I can't help it. There's so much to figure out."
"You'll get there," Evelyn said. "One step at a time. For now, focus on mastering the basics. The rest will fall into place."
Rin nodded, a sense of determination settling over her. She had taken another step toward defining her role and finding her place in the team.
Later that evening, Rin sat cross-legged on her bed. The dim light of the room cast long shadows, mirroring the storm of thoughts in her mind. She leaned forward, elbows on her knees, and rubbed her temples.
"Okay," she muttered to herself, "I've made some progress, but now what? Evelyn's great for sword training, but she doesn't have the expertise I need for ranged combat. I need someone who knows how to fight from a distance—someone with experience."
Her thoughts flicked through the people she knew. Kael and Finn were elemental Espers, focused on their aura abilities. Mira use barriers, but none seemed to fit the bill. Frustration bubbled up, and she groaned, flopping back against the pillows.
Just as she closed her eyes, a memory surfaced, unbidden.
A Memory from the Past
The smell of leather and gun oil filled the air as a younger Rin stood in the middle of a private training room, her arms trembling under the weight of a pistol. Across from her, her uncle, a grizzled man with salt-and-pepper hair and an aura of quiet authority, watched her with an expression that was equal parts stern and amused.
"Stop shaking, Rin," he barked, his voice sharp but not unkind. "You're holding a weapon, not a wet noodle."
"I'm trying!" Rin snapped back; her knuckles white as she gripped the pistol. She could feel her frustration mounting. "It's heavy, Uncle! And it smells weird!"
Her uncle sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It smells like discipline. And if you think that's heavy, wait until you try lifting a rifle. Now, focus. Finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot."
Rin huffed but adjusted her grip as instructed. "Why do I even need to learn this? I'm just a kid. Normal kids don't have to—"
"Normal kids don't inherit a fortune and become targets for every two-bit thug in the city," her uncle interrupted, his tone suddenly serious. "Listen, Rin. In this world, the weak are prey. And you? You're a lamb with a diamond collar. If you don't learn how to defend yourself, someone will come along and take everything from you."
Rin swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. She looked up at him, her frustration giving way to determination. "Okay. I'll do it."
A rare smile tugged at her uncle's lips. "That's my girl. Now, let's see if you can hit the target without shooting your own foot."
The memory shifted, another moment flashing before her eyes.
"Get up, Rin!" her uncle bellowed, standing over her with a practice knife in hand. "The enemy won't wait for you to catch your breath!"
Rin groaned, sprawled out on the training mat, her entire body aching. "Uncle, I think I'm dying."
"You're not dying. You're learning." He extended a hand to help her up, only to yank it away at the last second, sending her tumbling back down. "Lesson one: never trust anyone in a fight."
She glared up at him, her face flushed with irritation. "You're impossible."
"And you're soft," he shot back, crossing his arms. "But you're getting better. Now pick up the sword and try again."
Despite his harsh words, Rin could see the glimmer of pride in his eyes. It was the same look he always gave her when she managed to land a hit or finish a grueling drill. He was tough, but he cared—and in a world that had taken so much from her, that meant everything.
Back to the Present
Rin opened her eyes, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. Her uncle had been relentless in his training, but he'd also been one of the few constants in her life after her parents were gone. He'd taught her how to fight, how to survive, and how to stand tall even when the odds were stacked against her.
"Uncle would've loved this place," she murmured to herself. "A world full of enchanted weapons and people with crazy powers? He'd have been like a kid in a candy store."
She sighed, leaning back against the headboard, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
"It's not like I don't have experience," Rin mused, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "Back in my world, I mastered guns and even got pretty good with a bow. But this body…" She flexed her hands, frowning at the faint ache in her arms from the day's training. "This body isn't trained to handle those weapons yet. And that's not even the biggest problem."
She swung her legs off the bed and began pacing, her thoughts racing.
"The weapons in this world—they're something else entirely. Sure, they have the same names and look kind of similar, but they're designed with Esper abilities in mind. They're enchanted, tailored to complement the user's powers. A fire Esper's weapon won't work for a water Esper, and vice versa."
Rin stopped, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms. "That's the real issue. Back in my world, a gun was just a gun. A bow was just a bow. But here? Everything's specialized. If I want to be effective, I'll need a weapon that matches my abilities—or at least doesn't clash with them."
Her frustration bubbled over, and she threw her hands in the air. "What am I supposed to do?" she groaned. "It'd be so much easier if I had an elemental ability. I could just shoot as many rounds as I wanted. But no, I'm a Guide and a Tamer—a backseat support role."
Slumping back against the pillows, Rin let out a long sigh. "I wish I had the ability to craft weapons. That would solve everything."
As she stared at the ceiling, a sudden idea flickered to life in her mind. She shot upright, her eyes widening. "Wait a minute. There's that character I created a while back... What was his name again?"
She furrowed her brow, trying to recall. "He was just a supporting character. I made him because there was a weapons issue for Evelyn and Caius. He only appeared in one chapter, but his abilities were no joke."
Her mind raced, piecing together fragments of the character's story. "If I could find him, he might be able to design a weapon for me. Something tailored to my needs. But... what was his name?"
Rin groaned in frustration, burying her face in her hands. "It's impossible until I can remember."
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to focus. "For now, I need to tackle one problem at a time. First, I need someone who can teach me how to wield these weapons. The rest will have to wait."
She stood, determination hardening her expression. Grabbing a piece of paper, she jotted down a list of priorities:
1. Find a mentor for ranged combat.
2. Decide between bow and gun.
3. Figure out how to secure ammunition or find an alternative solution.
"I'll start with Guild Master Vera tomorrow," she decided, folding the paper and tucking it into her pocket. "She's bound to know someone who can help."
As she headed to bed, Rin couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I bet Uncle would've had me shooting bullseyes by now—and probably with some ridiculous training like balancing on one foot or dodging water balloons."
The thought brought a sense of comfort, Rin drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face.