Volume 8 Chapter 5 Training With An Ex-Boyfriend Is Difficult
"Starting today, we'll be training with Yuusuke."
Sharla suddenly said to Tsukiko, leaving her initially confused about what she was being told.
"Huh? Why all of a sudden?"
Despite having just moved into this room a few days ago, Sharla confidently lounged on the bed and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.
"It's more efficient that way. You've already trained enough to stand up to Yuusuke."
"But I haven't even landed a single hit yet."
"That's to be expected. We're running out of time. We can't waste any more unnecessary time."
Sharla said, sounding like she couldn't be bothered due to her laziness.
"I've already informed Yuusuke. Just give it a try for now. You'll quickly figure out what you need to do."
Tsukiko, while feeling unsettled, prepared herself as instructed and headed towards the training room.
There, Yuusuke, Lisha, and Hinata were already waiting.
"Oh, Tsukiko. Please take care of me from today."
"Yes, please take care of me."
"I'm not really good at teaching others, so I may not be of much help."
"That's okay. Sharla-san wasn't the type to teach with words either."
"I appreciate it."
In response to Yuusuke's smile, Tsukiko felt a mix of complex emotions.
For Tsukiko, Yuusuke was a symbol of her everyday life. In her harsh and difficult life, Yuusuke provided her with a sense of peace.
Facing Yuusuke with a spear in hand, she couldn't help but feel a strong aversion.
In her mind, she knew that Yuusuke was stronger. She had witnessed it firsthand during the battle with Jillzack Luiid and during the cultural festival.
However, even though she understood it, she couldn't fully grasp it.
"Well then, Hinata will go next, so please watch from the side. Lisha, I'll leave Sanctuary to you."
"I understand."
"Yes."
Lisha cast Sanctuary, enveloping the training room in a golden light.
Tsukiko held her Kinraishou (Golden Thunder Spear) and crouched down.
With a swing of his arm, Yuusuke conjured a familiar sword accompanied by a jade light. It seems he will fight without armor.
"Well then, Tsukiko, anything goes for you. Come at me with all your strength, as if you intend to kill."
"Eh, okay."
Nodding, Tsukiko circulated her magic power vigorously within her body. However, it was clear that she was flustered in this situation.
Observing Tsukiko's state, Yuusuke casually assumed his stance with the sword.
In an instant, death passed by.
Tsukiko had no idea what had happened.
But a clear image of death, one she had never felt in her entire life, was forcefully imprinted in her mind, and in the next moment, she found herself lying on her back.
"Haa... ah..."
Tsukiko gasped for oxygen.
Her whole body trembled with tension, and cold sweat burst out as if it had remembered something.
——I was slashed.
Undoubtedly, she was severed. Between her head and her torso. Cautiously placing a hand on the neck, damp with sweat but devoid of any wounds.
After standing there for a while, Yuusuke peered in with a concerned expression.
"Are you... okay?"
"I-I'm fine..."
It's lie. It's far from fine.
Yet, with what little pride Tsukiko had left, she raised her body and took Yuusuke's offered hand to stand up.
Sharla claimed her to be trained enough to stand in front of Yuusuke, but it wasn't true. She couldn't see what had been done.
Rather than being of any help, she felt like a burden.
Feeling crushed by this reality, Yuusuke spoke.
"Still, that was impressive. Honestly, I didn't expect such a precise reaction."
"Reaction? I haven't done anything."
She hadn't seen, so there was no reaction.
But Yuusuke pointed lightly to his own neck with a puzzled expression.
"Look, here."
There, faintly visible, was a red cut.
"Could it be... me?"
"Didn't you notice? Even if unconsciously, your body reacted."
"I didn't notice at all."
Tsukiko looks at the spear. It's unclear whether it was her or the Kinraishou (Golden Thunder Spear) that reacted, but it seems Sharla's words were not a lie.
Taking a deep breath, Tsukiko readies herself once again.
There is no longer any excitement.
Before her stands someone far superior.
And she can still become stronger. She doesn't know when, but she wants to be by this person's side in the truest sense as soon as possible.
The golden thunder shimmered as if indicating Tsukiko's resolve.
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