The next morning, Leo woke up with a stiff back, a sore leg, and a single thought:
"I need to look like a real master."
Aira was already awake, sitting cross-legged by the fire, wooden sword across her knees. She looked calm. Focused.
Future Ice Goddess, Leo reminded himself. She deserves a legendary teacher.
Too bad all he had were memories of shonen manga.
"Alright, Aira," he said, puffing out his chest. "From today onward… you are my disciple. And I—" he pointed at himself dramatically, "—am your Master."
She blinked. "I thought you already were."
"…Yes. That too."
He cleared his throat.
"First lesson: focus your mind. Discipline your body. And hit that tree until it respects you."
Aira looked at him, confused.
Leo nodded confidently. "That's what all sword geniuses do in manga. Trust me."
Aira stood, walked to the nearest tree, and began swinging.
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
Leo sat under a tree, pretending to meditate while secretly observing her form. It was… terrible. She had no stance, no weight control, no speed.
But…
She didn't stop.
Even when blisters formed. Even when her arms trembled.
She kept swinging.
Hours passed.
[SYSTEM UPDATE: Aira's physical stats have increased.]Bond Level: Strengthening.
Leo felt something stir inside him.
Not power. Not magic.
Responsibility.
Later, as the sun dipped, Leo cooked what little meat they had left.
He served Aira first. She ate quietly but nodded.
"…Good," she said.
Leo blinked. "You spoke."
"I always speak. You just talk too much."
He chuckled.
That night, under the stars, they sat by the fire.
Aira fell asleep quickly, curled up beside the warmth.
Leo lay awake, staring at the sky.
"I'm not strong," he whispered. "But I'll do everything I can to make sure you become someone this world can't touch."
The system chimed softly.
[Well said, Host. Your bullsh— leadership has promise.]
"Shut up, system."