In the end, Almoa was pushed to agree by Fiole’s enthusiasm.
The one-on-one mock battle begins.
… Almoa doesn’t look happy.
Even from the sidelines, it was easy to see her discontented expression. It’s just like the socially awkward Almoa.
But, this will be a good experience for her.
Since she’ll be living with everyone at the Elpida Orphanage from now on, she should take every opportunity to interact. Especially with Fiole, who will be on the front lines with her as one of our two main aces.
As a teacher at the orphanage, it’s a little pathetic to admit, but…
Pulling myself together, I took my position as the referee.
“Are both of you ready? Then… begin!”
With the signal, Fiole moved first.
She attacked actively with her training spear. In contrast, Almoa assumed a passive defensive stance.
Will Almoa be okay?
When she had previously faced off against Fiole, the girl with the spear had the upper hand, and Almoa was slightly at a disadvantage. Given the difference in skill at that time, if she stays on the defensive, she might get overwhelmed soon enough.
Or so I thought.
“Kyah!”
“Match over! The winner is Almoa!”
As I raised my hand to declare the winner, I was secretly astonished.
When did Almoa get this strong!?
Even though she looked unmotivated, she smoothly dodged all of Fiole’s spear thrusts, countering whenever Fiole’s movements became too predictable. Precise. And powerful.
“Grr… One more round!”
“Alright…”
The two resumed their stances.
However, the gap in enthusiasm, and the outcome, were the same as in the first match.
They sparred a few more times after that, but none of Fiole’s attacks ever reached Almoa. Even when she occasionally took a hit, her small frame showed no signs of budging.
As Fiole’s breathing grew labored, and her grip on the wooden spear weakened, I asked Almoa something that had been on my mind.
“Almoa. What’s your current level?”
“…30.”
You’re kidding.
When did she reach the same level as me!?
Ah… could it have been back then?
It was that mysterious monster that trapped us in a strange space, devouring us. Almoa and her contracted spirit, Avrill, had delivered the finishing blow. That opponent was unlike anything I’d heard of before—dangerous. Even so, the experience points must have far exceeded even those from the group of armored adventurers I had defeated.
It makes me all the more curious… what was that mysterious monster?
As I was mulling it over, Fiole was experiencing a different kind of shock.
“No way… your level is three times mine…!”
If I remember correctly, Fiole’s level is 10.
She’s gained some combat experience since then, but since it wasn’t against monsters, her level probably didn’t rise too quickly.
Fiole looked down, frustrated, but then quickly raised her head, gripping her wooden spear. “One more round!”
Seeing that, Almoa lowered her brows, and even lowered her training staff.
Then, looking at me, she said,
“…Switch with Isto-san.”
“What!?”
Hey, Almoa, don’t just leave it to me like that!
Ignoring my protest, Almoa strode over to me. As we passed, she muttered in a voice only I could hear.
“I can’t help her. I’m worried about Fiole, but I feel relieved knowing you’re here… Please, you can be the one to support her better than I can.”
“Geez…”
I sighed, exasperated.
I tapped her on the head, a little harder than usual.
Looking at Almoa’s face now…
If she’s that worried, enough to make that anxious expression, she should just be honest about her feelings.
Well, I guess she’s just not the type to do that easily. She’s really an awkward one.
“Alright, got it.”
Since someone as clumsy as her trusts me, I can’t just brush it off.
I’ll do my best to respond.
“Alright, Fiole, let’s go.”
“Huh!?”
“We’re switching. I might not be much, but I’ll do my best to keep up.”
I took the training staff from Almoa.
…Time to give that skill a try, I suppose.
“Sample activation: Gifted Skill—[True Staff Mastery].”
A light enveloped me.
For a moment, my entire body felt as if my blood was boiling, but the sensation quickly faded.
I didn’t feel any change in my physique, nor did any special moves come to mind.
…Hmm, is that all? Well, can’t expect much from a borrowed skill.
Turning to face Fiole, I thought I should try to reassure her somehow; having a beginner like me as her opponent might feel like an insult to her pride.
“Hehe.”
…Hey, Fiole.
“Why do you look kind of happy?”
“Do I? Hehe…”
This girl…
I don’t get it.
“I’ll just be blocking, okay? I won’t be able to fight you seriously.”
“Yes! Please go easy on me, Isto-san!”
Looks like her spirits have lifted… that’s good to see.
I raised my staff, taking a defensive stance to make it easier for her to attack.
“Huh?”
Fiole suddenly voiced her confusion, and I tilted my head.
“What’s up?”
“It’s just… your stance… something feels off?”
She seemed to sense something strange but couldn’t quite put it into words.
Oh well.
“Alright, come at me!”
“Here I go!”
Fiole readied her spear and attacked.
Quick and forceful, with solid footwork. Impressive.
She closed the distance in a flash.
I could feel the wind generated by her movements against my cheek.
“Take this!”
She swung down with all her might.
Hey! Why are you putting more energy into this than when you fought Almoa!?
Now I have no choice but to go all out too.
I met her spear with my staff.
There was a satisfying “clash.”
“Alright. Keep ‘em coming.”
“Y-yes! Hah!”
With a spirited shout, Fiole launched attack after attack.
Carefully watching the path of each blow, I met her strikes one by one.
Oh, I can see her getting more into it. Her speed is picking up.
The spear came at me from all directions—front, side, everywhere.
I kept my staff close to my body and deflected each blow.
“Come on, you can do better. A swing from someone like you shouldn’t be stopped by an amateur like me.”
“Ugh, hahaha…”
What’s with that strange laugh?
Her expression is odd… how to describe it?
She looks frustrated… but also like she’s enjoying it.
In fact, she almost looks… entranced.
Could it be that Fiole is beyond exhaustion at this point?
That’s likely. Just look at her spear work—it’s all over the place now.
As her tired spear strike approached, I lightly knocked it aside with the tip of my staff.
And then, suddenly, Fiole collapsed, sitting down on the spot.
“I… I give up!”
“Huh?”
Wait, it’s over already?
I was only blocking…
…Wait, hold on.
Was I always capable of parrying Fiole’s spear so well?
Fiole lowered her head, trembling.
“Ama…”
“Look, Fiole, I…”
“Amazing, Isto-san! You’re incredible! When did you get so strong!?”
Her eyes were shining.
Well, uh…
Almoa hurriedly ran over, equally surprised.
“Isto-san! When did you master staff techniques like that!?”
“Uh… oh.”
Only one thing came to mind.
Almoa’s Gifted Skill: [True Staff Mastery].
The skill’s effect was “to perfect the art of the staff.”
