Arthur stood in the training field, focused on his training while Hyorinmaru lay beneath the shade of a tree, peacefully asleep as he slips into a dream.
---
Hyorinmaru's Dream
A voice called out to Hyorinmaru, stirring him from his slumber. His vision was blurry at first, but as it cleared, he found himself resting on someone's shoulder. The person chuckled.
"You're always sleeping, huh? Don't be lazy—we've got serious work to do," the man said, handing Hyorinmaru a snack. "Here, eat up."
Hyorinmaru took the snack, smiling as he and the man burst into laughter together. The warmth of the moment lingered as Hyorinmaru slowly awakened.
---
Back in the Field
Hyorinmaru opened his eyes, confusion clouding his thoughts. Who was that? Why was I with him? Before he could dwell on it further, Arthur's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Oi! I need some guidance here. All you do is sleep—don't be lazy!"
Hyorinmaru's mind flashed back to his dream.
"You sleep too much, don't be lazy."
Arthur rummaged through his bag and pulled out a snack. "Are you hungry? Here, have this."
Hyorinmaru hesitated, staring at the snack in Arthur's hand. Was that person Arthur… or just my imagination? Before he could figure it out, Arthur grabbed him.
"Come on, let's start training!"
Hyorinmaru shook off his thoughts and floated up. "In your last training session, you nearly killed yourself."
Arthur scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I wouldn't say it like that…"
Hyorinmaru sighed and pointed at the river nearby. "For today's training, you'll freeze the surface of the water."
Arthur blinked. "Huh? And how am I supposed to do that?"
Hyorinmaru's eye twitched. "That's what all your previous training was for, you idiot!" He continued, "You'll spread your cold mana evenly across the river's surface, freezing only a thin layer at the top. This will force you to control how deep the mana penetrates. It's called the Glass Test."
Arthur crossed his arms. "You could've just explained it like that earlier. And 'Glass Test' doesn't really match the exercise."
Hyorinmaru smacked Arthur on the head. "You got a problem with my training methods?" he said smugly. "Now get to work!"
Arthur sighed. "That's scary..." He placed his hand on the river, beginning his training.
---
At the Luminara Mansion
Seraphina swung her sword in fluid motions, focused on her training. A sudden voice interrupted her.
"You're still training?"
A six-winged creature with a divine presence hovered before her, its glowing feathers radiating light. Startled, she stumbled back. "Don't pop out of nowhere like that! I'm still not used to seeing you."
The creature gasped dramatically. "Are you saying you don't like seeing my face?" It feigned tears.
Seraphina sighed, waving her hands. "That's not what I meant! It's just… a lot has happened lately. The tournament… and you revealing yourself to me."
The creature straightened. "My appearance should be your greatest moment!"
Seraphina scoffed. "I don't feel that way."
---
A Day After the Break
Seraphina awoke groggily, her name echoing in the air. As her vision cleared, a radiant, winged creature hovered before her.
"AHHHHHH!" She screamed.
"Shhh! Keep it down!"
Her eyes widened. "You… you can talk?!" She screamed again.
The creature flapped its wings in frustration. "I mean no harm! Just hear me out!"
Seraphina inched toward the window, looking for the maids.
"Arthur."
She froze, turning back sharply. "How do you know that name?"
"Like I said—hear me out."
After a moment, she sighed and sat down. "Fine. But make it quick."
The creature floated before her. "I'm your blade spirit. My name is Tenmei."
Seraphina's eyes widened. "Is this a joke? How can you be my Zeraphim?"
"I'm not a Zeraphim! That's what other sword spirits are called. Am different. I'm an Elyzara."
Seraphina scoffed. "Never heard of it. And why are you only revealing yourself now? During training, all I saw was a floating light. Now you show up, claiming you're my blade spirit?"
"You weren't ready to see me yet. You needed to unlock your visual prowess."
Seraphina frowned. "Visual prowess?"
"Also… I was scared."
"Scared? Of who?"
"Arthur."
She blinked before laughing. "You must be joking! If there's someone to be scared of, it's Leo!"
Tenmei shuddered. "You've felt it too, haven't you? That ominous presence around him? Being near him makes me nauseous."
Seraphina paused, remembering fleeting moments of unease. "I have felt something strange… but that doesn't mean he's bad. Arthur has a pure heart. He made me his rival—I'm training to fight by his side. You don't know anything about him."
"I'm telling you, he's bad news! Stay away."
"I won't. Besides, if he can't see you, what's there to be scared of?"
Tenmei hesitated. "W-Well…"
Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "You don't know if he can see you, do you?"
"O-Of course not! I was just being cautious!"
Seraphina rolled her eyes. "And you call yourself an Elyzara? Arthur is bullied by his own sword spirit, how could he possibly—" She stopped. "Wait.Do you know Hyorinmaru?"
"Who doesn't know that proud dragon?"
Seraphina sighed. "If you're a blade spirit, then you're just like him…" A thought struck her. "You mentioned Visual Prowess earlier. I don't feel any different."
"When you were struck by that lightning blade in the dungeon incident, it acted as the catalyst."
Seraphina recalled the battle. Then she shook her head. "No time to think about the past. I have to move forward and get stronger."
She stood, tightening her training uniform. Tenmei grinned. "That's the spirit! We're partners now. Let's not lose to Arthur and that proud dragon!"
Seraphina nodded. "So, what training am I doing?"
"Leave it to me!" Tenmei smirked. "Stats!"
A glowing panel appeared before Seraphina, listing training exercises.
"First things first, we'll train to control your visual prowess a little bit."
Seraphina frowned. "Why only a little?"
"Because you haven't unlocked its full potential yet. We'll train with what you have."
Seraphina clenched her fists. "Alright. Let's do this."
---
Back to the Present
Seraphina sighed. "We've been training, but all I can do is see mana and its structure."
She opened her eyes, now glowing golden with a light phoenix at the centre gleaming.
"Don't rush it. Mastery takes time," Tenmei reassured her.
Her stats flashed before her:
[Shingan Unlocked]
[Level 1]
Seraphina exhaled sharply. "I have only one day left. I have to get stronger."