The morning sun streamed through the barracks window, casting warm rays over Kazuki's sleeping form. He stirred, blinking his eyes open, only to find Elara standing over him, arms crossed.
"Get up," she said, her tone brisk. "Training starts now."
Kazuki groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Already?"
"Did you think becoming my subordinate meant you could sleep in?" Elara smirked. "Move it."
Minutes later, Kazuki found himself in the training yard, surrounded by other female knights. Some eyed him curiously; others simply ignored him. Elara handed him a wooden sword.
"Today's lesson is footwork," Elara said, taking a stance. "You can swing a sword, but if you can't move, you're useless. Watch closely."
Elara began to move, her feet gliding across the dirt with fluid grace. Each step was precise, calculated. Kazuki watched, trying to memorize her movements.
"Now you try," Elara said, stepping back.
Kazuki swallowed, positioning himself as she had. He tried to mimic her footwork, but his movements were clumsy, his balance shaky.
"No, no," Elara said, stepping behind him. "Like this."
Before Kazuki could react, Elara's hands gripped his waist, adjusting his stance. Her chest pressed lightly against his back as she guided his movements.
"See?" she said, her breath warm against his ear. "Move with your hips, not just your feet."
Kazuki's face burned, his heart pounding as Elara's hands remained on his waist, her body so close he could feel her curves against him.
"Elara..." Kazuki managed, his throat dry.
"Something wrong?" Elara asked, her voice smooth, almost teasing. "You're tense."
"I-I'm fine," Kazuki said quickly, forcing himself to focus.
Elara smirked, stepping back. "Good. Then let's move on."
Before Kazuki could catch his breath, a familiar voice echoed across the yard.
"Well, well," Tara said, striding over with a wicked grin. "Training already? Mind if I join?"
Elara's eyes narrowed. "We're busy."
"Oh, come on," Tara said, grabbing a wooden sword. "I promise to be gentle."
Kazuki tensed. Something in Tara's eyes told him she had no intention of holding back.
"Let's see if you can handle two women at once," Tara said, winking at Kazuki. "Think you're up for it?"
Kazuki stood in the center of the training yard, sweat trickling down his brow. Elara and Tara faced him, wooden swords in hand, their eyes sharp and focused.
"This is ridiculous," Kazuki said, adjusting his grip on his sword. "Two against one?"
"Think of it as special training," Elara said, her expression stern. "If you can handle us, you can handle any opponent."
"Ready, Kazuki?" Tara said, her smirk playful. "I promise I won't hurt you... much."
Kazuki swallowed. His enhanced agility from copying Tara's skill gave him a slight edge, but against both of them? This wasn't going to be easy.
"Begin!" Elara shouted.
Before Kazuki could react, Tara lunged at him, her sword aiming for his ribs. Kazuki sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike. But Elara was already behind him, her sword sweeping toward his back.
"Too slow!" Elara barked.
Kazuki twisted, bringing his sword up just in time to block. The impact jarred his arms, but he held his ground. Tara was already moving again, her movements blindingly fast. Kazuki barely managed to dodge her swing, but in doing so, he left himself open to Elara's next strike.
"Got you!" Elara said, her sword connecting with his shoulder.
Kazuki grunted, stumbling back. 'Damn it... I can't keep up!'
"Focus!" Elara shouted, advancing on him. "If you can't keep up with us, you'll be dead in a real fight!"
Kazuki clenched his jaw. 'Think, Kazuki. You copied their skills. Use them!'
[Skill Copy - Active.]
Kazuki's mind sharpened, his vision focusing. He could see their movements more clearly now—the way Tara shifted her weight before striking, the slight twitch of Elara's wrist before a swing.
"Again!" Elara said, charging forward.
This time, Kazuki met her head-on, blocking her strike and twisting his body to avoid Tara's follow-up attack. He spun around, his sword connecting with Tara's wrist, knocking her weapon from her hand.
"Oh?" Tara said, eyes widening. "Not bad."
Before Kazuki could celebrate, Elara's foot shot out, kicking him square in the chest. He hit the ground hard, the air rushing from his lungs.
"You're getting better," Elara said, towering over him. "But not good enough."
Kazuki groaned, struggling to sit up. But before he could, Tara knelt down beside him, her face close to his, her breath hot against his ear.
"You know," she whispered, her lips grazing his cheek, "if you ever need some 'private' training, I'd be happy to help."
Kazuki's heart raced, his face flushing. "I-I..."
"Tara," Elara snapped, her tone cold. "Enough."
Tara chuckled, standing up and walking away. "Just offering."
Kazuki's eyes met Elara's, her expression unreadable. But for a brief moment, he thought he saw something flash in her eyes—something possessive.
"Training's over," Elara said, turning away. "Get some rest. You'll need it."