"Master's sword skill is unmatched… she's controlling the situation like it's a chessboard. Not a single mistake, every strike calculated, every move flawless."
Jackson's thoughts raced as his eyes followed the blinding exchange. Lucy's wooden blade danced like lightning, her precision far beyond what any of them could match.
In only three minutes, her rhythm became a storm. The clash echoed across the training field until—crack!—fifteen strikes landed one after another, each cutting through Alfie's guard until he staggered back. Lucy stopped exactly as Jackson predicted.
"That's enough, Alfie," she declared calmly, lowering her blade. "Sasaki, you're up next."
Breathing heavily, Alfie rubbed the sore spots on his arms, muttering under his breath. Lucy, however, moved like nothing had happened. With a smooth flick of her wrist, she retrieved a plastic water container from her storage ring, drank, then returned it with the same effortless grace. She inhaled, exhaled, then looked toward Sasaki with sharp eyes.
"Alright… let's begin."
---
Hours Later
The duel stretched for hours, the sun dipping below the horizon as the field dimmed under streaks of crimson light. Sasaki's strikes were fierce, relentless, but Lucy's experience overwhelmed his raw power. Sparks flew from each clash of wood and Renshi, sweat running down both their faces as exhaustion settled in.
Finally, as the last traces of sunlight disappeared, Lucy raised her hand.
"That's enough for today. We're done."
She walked slowly toward Alfie and Jackson, who stood in line, battered and drained, their clothes dusty from training.
"That's not fair, Master! What about our turn?" Alfie protested, his face twisted with exhaustion but still burning with stubborn fire.
"Tomorrow." Lucy's tone was firm. "Right now I'm tired. You will start tomorrow."
The three of them returned their wooden swords, Sasaki following behind, and together they exited the training field.
---
At Home
The bath was long, steam filling their separate rooms as aches eased from sore muscles. When they finally regrouped, Sasaki was the last to appear. He strolled casually into the sitting room where Lucy, Jackson, and Alfie waited, their faces clearly annoyed.
"Hey, hey," Sasaki raised his hands defensively. "What's with those expressions? What did I do this time?"
"You waste more time in the bathroom than women," Jackson muttered, glaring. "What the hell do you even do in there?"
"Shut it, kid. You wouldn't understand." Sasaki smirked, flexing his red hair arrogantly. "It's important to look good—especially this hair. My style can't be sloppy."
"Your hair's red like Jack's," Alfie countered, "but at least Jack's looks better."
"You've got no taste for good things. I won't even blame you." Sasaki flicked his hair, ignoring their reactions.
Lucy, meanwhile, closed her eyes, lost in thought. She stood abruptly, her voice cutting the air.
"That's enough. Let's go eat."
The tone silenced them immediately.
---
The group headed to their favorite shop. The warm smell of rice and beef steak filled the air as they sat, though Alfie played with his food instead of eating properly. Raising bits of beef high above his mouth and letting them drop, he grinned until Jackson tapped his lap in annoyance.
The sudden touch made Alfie flinch, dropping food onto his clothes. Lucy's sharp glare cut across the table. Without a word, Alfie shoved the food into the trash and began eating quietly.
Halfway through dinner, Sasaki leaned back in his chair. "Hey, Lucy… you notice anything?"
She glanced up, still chewing. "Yeah. Those Shinras who questioned us last time—they're not here."
"Probably out on a mission in another kingdom," Sasaki suggested, though Lucy didn't seem to care.
The meal continued until they finally pushed their plates away, stepping out into the cool night. That's when Lucy froze.
---
Her eyes narrowed. "Someone's coming. Behind me—now."
Jackson and Alfie immediately moved behind her. Sasaki, however, stayed by her side, summoning a blade of Renshi with a sharp flick of his hand.
"I said behind me, Sasaki," Lucy snapped.
"I can't. I'm here to protect you as you're helping me grow stronger… and them." His voice was steady, his crimson eyes burning. "I'm not letting anyone touch you."
Lucy's lips curved into the faintest smile at his defiance, there's no way I'm so rusty you will be protecting me.
Suddenly—a whoosh! A long scythe came spinning toward them, its blade cutting through the night air. Sasaki's sword was already raised, Lucy's body poised to intercept. But before either struck, a figure dove forward and caught the weapon mid-flight.
A tall, thin man with long black hair stumbled to his knees, blood running down his arms and face. He clutched the scythe tightly, his voice breaking with desperation.
"Please… we need your help. I can't let my comrades die."
Lucy crouched, eyes sharp. "Calm down. Who's after you? What's happening in the Kingdom of Ashura?"
"Not here…" the man coughed violently. "After the gate—we were attacked on the way back. My captain sent me for help, but no one would listen. Please… they're assassins. Too unpredictable. They strike from blind spots—my comrades… my Court can't fight them alone."
The man's forehead touched the ground as he begged. "I apologize for before. But I beg you… please save them."
From behind Lucy, Jackson's voice rose. "Master… are we going to help?"
"Of course we are," Alfie added quickly, stepping forward. "We can't let innocent people die."
Lucy's sharp glare stopped him. "Get back, Alfie. I make the decisions here."
Sasaki's voice cut in coldly. "It's the same decision, Lucy. Nothing changes."
Thud! Lucy's elbow drove into his stomach, making him grunt in pain. Jackson and Alfie chuckled despite the tension.
"Stand up already," Lucy ordered the bleeding man, bringing from her storage ring sheathed two swords tossing one each to Alfie and Jackson. "You're wasting time. Take us there."
The man's eyes widened as hope lit his battered face.