Seraphina didn't go easy on me. She tossed a wooden practice sword toward me—a heavy, blunt thing made of solid oak. I caught it, but the weight nearly sent me toppling over.
"Balance, commoner," Seraphina commanded, her boots crunching on the gravel as she circled me like a wolf. "A sword is an extension of your arm. If you treat it like a toy, it will treat you like a victim."
[SYSTEM MISSION: The First Lesson]
Objective: Land a single 'tap' on Seraphina's leather armor.
Difficulty: Infernal (She's a Level 50 Paladin, you're a Level 1 Civilian).
Buff Activated: Beginner's Grace – Your movements are 20% more fluid when an attractive person is watching.
"I'm trying!" I huffed, adjusting my grip. My amber eyes were locked on hers. "But maybe if you weren't pacing around like I'm a training dummy, I could focus."
Seraphina smirked—a real, genuine smirk that reached her violet eyes. "Focus is the lesson. Strike me."
I lunged. It was sloppy, desperate, and completely telegraphed. Seraphina didn't even use her sword; she just stepped to the side, her hand catching my wrist and spinning me around. I ended up pressed against her back, her leather vest cool against my cheek.
"Too slow," she whispered near my ear.
[SKILL TRIGGERED: Accidental Proximity]
Effect: Target's 'Guard' is lowered by 5%.
System Tip: Use the scent of her sandalwood soap to your advantage!
I didn't pull away immediately. I leaned into the contact, letting my hair brush against her shoulder. "Then show me how to be fast, Captain. My hands... they don't know where to go."
I turned in her grip, my face inches from hers. The "Magnetic Aura" was pulsing now, turning the air in the courtyard thick and heavy. The recruits in the background had stopped their own training entirely, just staring at the scene.
Seraphina's breath hitched. She didn't let go of my wrist. Instead, her other hand came up, covering mine on the hilt of the wooden sword. Her palm was warm, calloused, and firm.
"Like this," she murmured, her voice losing its edge. She guided my arm in a slow, perfect arc. "From the hip. Not the shoulder. You move with the world, not against it."
For a few minutes, we moved in a strange, silent dance. She was behind me, her body guiding mine, her breath warm against the back of my neck. I could feel the rhythmic thumping of her heart against my shoulder blades. It was definitely beating faster than 'training' required.
[DING!]
Seraphina's Affection: 15% (Protective/Confused).
CP Earned: 20.
Suddenly, a loud CLANG echoed from the gatehouse. A young scout, breathless and dusty, burst into the courtyard.
"Captain! The North Perimeter! A 'Void-Shade' has crossed the river! It's heading for the farms!"
The spell broke instantly. Seraphina snapped back, her hands leaving mine so quickly I felt a sudden chill. The "Warrior" was back, her face becoming a mask of iron.
"To arms!" she roared, her voice echoing off the barracks walls. "Squad One, with me! Prepare the horses!"
She turned to me, her eyes lingering on my face for just a second too long. "Stay here, Elena. Or go back to your cottage. The farms are no place for a girl who can barely hold a piece of wood."
She didn't wait for an answer. Within seconds, she was vaulting onto her white warhorse, the crimson cape billowing behind her as she charged out the gate.
[EMERGENCY QUEST: The Damsel in Action]
Objective: Don't stay behind! Follow the Rose Guard.
Hidden Reward: A 'Saving Grace' moment with Seraphina.
I looked at the wooden practice sword still in my hand. "Stay behind? Not a chance. My Charisma System doesn't work if she's miles away fighting shadows."