I sat on the floor in the lotus position, allowing my mind to empty itself of present worries and future ambitions—as if making myself weightless to enter a state of deep focus, ideal for cultivation.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally crossed into a state bordering enlightenment—something Alice had hinted at during our brief conversations. In this near-mystical atmosphere, I once again felt that subtle yet vivid connection with the Qi emanating from the enigmatic Zher Woods, losing myself completely in its intensity. Had someone barged into my room at that moment, they would have seen a faint, pulsating aura enveloping me—the result of energy that seemed to radiate from me with every breath as my cultivation foundation solidified and strengthened rapidly, without me even realizing it.
Suddenly, the insistent sound of "KNOCK KNOCK" shattered the serenity. The echo of rapping on the door accompanied Ruthia's loud voice:
—"Hey kid, wake up! You'll be late for your first training session with Captain Gareth."
—"Thanks, Ruthia, but training with Sir Gareth isn't until evening," I replied, opening my door to her.
—"Kid, are you sick? It's already the middle of the night—you are late."
—"WHAT?! It's already night? I need to get to Sir Gareth's house right now!" I exclaimed, hastily tearing myself from the quiet of my room and dressing in a frenzy.
—"Honestly, kids these days," Ruthia muttered as she walked away from the door, her tone laced with disapproval.
I quickly left the inn and hurried toward Jina's house, praying everyone was still awake. Amid the whirlwind of thoughts, I wondered: 'How is it already night? What happened? Did I enter that legendary state Alice mentioned? It felt like moments, but hours passed...' I pushed these doubts to the back of my mind, quickening my steps toward my destination.
Upon arrival, I sighed in relief seeing all the lights still on. Heart pounding but courage renewed, I approached the door, knocked, and called out softly:
—"Miss Jina?"
Moments later, footsteps and the clinking of the lock announced someone's approach. The door opened to reveal Sir Gareth, his stern gaze piercing like a blade. An awkward silence settled as he studied me, and I stammered:
—"H-Hello, Sir Gareth... I came for training," I ventured, bracing for the scolding his icy stare seemed to promise.
—"Hm... You're late, boy," Gareth stated after a long, silent examination.
—"My apologies, Sir Gareth. I sat down to meditate and, before I knew it, night had fallen," I explained, flustered.
—"Ah, so that's what happened. No problem, hehe. Come in—we're in the middle of dinner," he replied with a mischievous grin that made my stomach twist with apprehension.
It was at this exact moment that my eyes met Jina's. She stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, her narrowed eyes and threatening pout leaving no doubt about her displeasure.
—"ISHIDA. How dare you be late? I made dinner for three, and you almost missed it. In fact, I'm still deciding whether you get to eat," Jina scolded, turning slightly away as she retreated inside.
—"S-Sir Gareth... What did I do wrong?" I stammered, caught between fear and confusion.
—"Hehe, women, Ishida. Always an enigma," Gareth said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder before adding: —"Shall we go in?"
—"Y-Yes, let's," I replied, following him timidly.
I stepped into Jina's home—a charming house built entirely of wood, where simplicity and order exuded cozy comfort. Small yet filled with rustic details that whispered warmth and safety, every corner seemed to tell stories of home.
In the kitchen, Jina was already seated, her expression softer now. With almost maternal care, she served me a steaming plate while adding a hint of sternness:
—"Come eat, Ishida. But next time you're late, you train on an empty stomach!"
I sat carefully between Sir Gareth and Jina as the aroma of dinner filled the air with promises of delicious flavors. I showered the meal with praise, hoping to coax a smile from Jina—and it seemed to work, as the girl grew gentler and more receptive while we moved to the modest garden.
The garden, small in size but rich in charm and order, was the perfect setting for the training to come.
—"Now, Ishida, take your spear and assume a guard stance," Gareth commanded authoritatively before turning to Jina: —"Jina, take yours and begin the basic drills I taught you. Tonight, I'll focus more on Ishida."
—"Yes, Dad!" Jina exclaimed with youthful enthusiasm.
—"Yes, Sir Gareth!" I replied, trying to mask my nerves.
I concentrated intensely and, with precise movements, assumed the guard stance. Gareth's analytical gaze scanned every inch of my posture, searching for weaknesses.
—"Widen your feet slightly—feel how your balance becomes firmer," he instructed, his voice steeped in experience.
I adjusted my stance as directed and immediately noticed the difference—a more solid foundation that granted stability for each movement.
—"Now, position your hand closer to the base for better control, and the other slightly forward to enhance dexterity and aim. Lean your body forward slightly," Gareth continued, each command resonating clearly in my mind.
Every adjustment made more sense, and I could feel harmony between control and agility settling in, allowing near-intuitive freedom of movement with my spear.
—"Now, Ishida, show me what techniques you know."
—"Right!" I replied hesitantly, quickly executing a horizontal slash followed by a thrust. The movements flowed better than before—especially the thrust—but I couldn't help wondering if it was enough.
—"Good, but there are flaws we can fix. What else?"
—"Else?"
—"Do you only know the horizontal slash and thrust?"
—"Yes, these are the techniques Jina taught me."
—"What about defense?"
—"Defense?"
—"Jina didn't teach you any defensive moves?"
—"N-No..."
Gareth slowly turned his gaze to Jina, who had already sensed trouble and shrunk back, bracing for the inevitable scolding.
Tension thickened as a vein pulsed on Gareth's forehead.
—"You went out to train and only know the basics of spear combat?" Gareth asked, his voice low and serious, laden with disappointment.
Jina nodded, visibly shaken. —"We just wanted to help."
—"Slimes may seem simple, but they're not. You've seen what they've done to the village—and felt their danger firsthand. You especially, Jina. Don't forget what happened to your mother because of them."
Jina shot Gareth a glare mixed with tears—a silent pain and inner struggle she couldn't hide.
—"You're all the family I have left. Don't be reckless, daughter. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you," Gareth said, resting a hand on Jina's head. There was conflict in his words—between protection and the need to prepare for what lay ahead.
—"From now on, it's decided. You two will train one day and hunt the next. If you break this rule for any reason, hunting privileges are revoked."
Gareth's words hung in the air, heavy with worry and an ironclad resolve. Jina and I exchanged glances, acutely aware of the uncertain path ahead.