Chapter 1640: Special Training 2
The golems charged forward in formation, and Saeko was ready. With a single, swift movement, she unsheathed her katana and lunged forward, meeting the front lines head-on. Her blade cut through the air in fluid, rapid strikes, each swing accompanied by a gust of wind that amplified the reach of her attacks. She moved with deadly grace, carving through the golems in controlled arcs that left no room for error.
Gracier continued to fire from the rear, her arrows shifting shape mid-flight to suit the needs of the moment. One arrow became a blazing serpent that slithered through the ranks of golems, detonating with a fiery burst that sent their stone fragments scattering. Another arrow split into a rain of fiery sparks, blanketing a group of golems in flames that slowed their advance and forced them to scatter.
The two moved in perfect synchronization, their strengths complementing each other seamlessly. When a group of golems managed to flank Saeko from the side, Gracier quickly adjusted, firing an arrow that morphed into a spinning fire disc, slicing through the line of enemies before exploding into a wave of heat that bought Saeko time to reposition.
In return, Saeko kept the pressure on the golems that slipped through Gracier's range, her movements a blur as she slashed through the waves of advancing foes. When she needed cover, Gracier provided it with well-timed volleys, her flame arrows forming walls or barriers of fire that restricted the golems' movements, giving Saeko a brief moment to breathe and reposition.
As they fought, Gracier tested new shapes and patterns with her arrows. One transformed into a fiery phoenix that swooped over the battlefield, scorching a path through the ranks of golems. Another shot split into a ring of fire that encircled a group of golems, trapping them within until Saeko could move in for the final blow.
The exercise reached a fevered pace, with golems advancing in larger numbers, forcing Gracier and Saeko to rely even more on their teamwork. At one point, Saeko gave a sharp command, signaling Gracier to fire an arrow that created a burst of flame in front of her. Saeko leaped through the flames, her katana slicing through the heat as she launched herself into the thick of the enemy formation, taking advantage of the brief distraction caused by the fire to cut down the golems in quick succession.
Hours passed as they honed their tactics, testing each other's limits and refining their strategy. By the end of the session, the ground was littered with the shattered remnants of countless golems, the air heavy with the lingering heat from Gracier's arrows and the faint, sharp scent of scorched stone.
The two warriors regrouped, breathing heavily but wearing satisfied smiles. This intense training was a crucial step in preparing them for the upcoming war, and with each session, they grew more attuned to each other's abilities, sharpening their skills and strengthening their coordination.
"Nice work, Gracier," Saeko said, wiping the sweat from her brow as she sheathed her katana.
"You too," Gracier replied, lowering her bow with a grin. "I think we're going to make a formidable team when the real battle comes."
The two shared a nod of respect, their resolve strengthened as they prepared for the days of battle that lay ahead.
They rested for a moment, catching their breath and letting the lingering warmth of Gracier's flames dissipate from the air. After a few minutes, they resumed their practice, this time turning their focus inward as they sparred with each other. Saeko's movements were sharp and precise, her katana flashing in controlled arcs as she probed Gracier's defenses. Gracier responded with equal intensity, her bow transforming into a close-range weapon, firing bursts of energy that forced Saeko to dodge and maneuver.
The sparring became a dance of agility and skill, with each fighter testing the other's limits. Saeko would close the distance with blinding speed, only to find Gracier matching her with nimble footwork and well-timed counterstrikes. Gracier's arrows shifted shape and element on the fly, some turning to flame, others splintering into a hail of ice or bolts of electricity. Each arrow was aimed with calculated precision, keeping Saeko constantly on her toes.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, their movements grew sharper and more focused. Both were drenched in sweat, muscles aching from the day's exertion, yet neither backed down. Every attack, every counter, every dodge carried the weight of their determination to improve, to push each other beyond their limits.
Eventually, as the sky turned a deep shade of orange and purple, Saeko called for a halt, lowering her katana and taking a deep breath. Gracier, breathing heavily but grinning, lowered her bow.
"That was… quite the workout," Saeko admitted, wiping her brow.
Gracier nodded, her face flushed with the thrill of their training. "I don't think I've ever had to keep up with someone this fast before."
Saeko smiled, sliding her katana back into its sheath. "Same here. You're relentless with that bow."
They both laughed, the camaraderie that had grown between them making the exhaustion worthwhile. The evening sky above was calm and quiet, a stark contrast to the intensity of their training. The distant stars began to twinkle as the two warriors sat down to rest once more, cooling off as they watched the sun dip below the horizon.
After a few minutes, Gracier turned to Saeko, her expression thoughtful. "When the real battles come, we won't get to call a break like this."
Saeko nodded, her gaze steady. "That's why we train as hard as we can now. So that when the time comes, we're ready."
They shared a moment of silence, both feeling the weight of the battles to come. But now, under the first stars of the evening, their resolve was unwavering. With a final nod, they stood and began to gather their things, knowing that tomorrow would bring another day of intense training.
As they walked back to camp, side by side, Gracier spoke up with a grin. "Next time, I'm definitely landing a hit on you."
Saeko smirked, a playful glint in her eye. "I'd like to see you try."