Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

The morning sun began to warm Minori Village, spreading gentle light everywhere. Birds chirped softly in the distance, and the wind whispered through the hills. But in the training yard near the castle, things were different. Here, the sounds of fast footsteps, clashing metal, and heavy breathing filled the air.

Ardi swung his wooden katana with great energy, sweat streaming down his forehead as he attacked Kenshin faster and faster. Their blades met with a sharp clang.

Clang!

Kenshin easily blocked the attack, moving like a shadow that was hard to catch.

Kenshin:

"You're rushing, my lord. Your breathing is off, and your swings are too stiff."

Ardi snorted and stepped back to regain his balance.

Ardi:

"If I slow down, I'll never catch you, Kenshin!"

Kenshin smiled slightly and lifted his katana with one hand, looking relaxed yet alert.

Kenshin:

"Speed matters, but without control, it's just wild swinging. Watch your rhythm."

Ardi gritted his teeth and attacked again. This time, he changed his approach—moving lighter and more smoothly.

Swish!

 He slashed diagonally toward Kenshin's shoulder, but when his attack was blocked, Ardi spun and swung his blade at Kenshin's stomach from below.

Another clang rang out as Kenshin parried and then stepped forward quickly.

Kenshin:

"Good, but you're still too predictable!"

Suddenly, Kenshin switched positions. He pressed his wooden katana down and slid it to the side, throwing Ardi off balance. In one swift move, he pointed the tip of his blade at Ardi's neck.

With a heavy thud, Ardi stopped, eyes wide and breath ragged. If this were a real fight, he would have lost.

Ardi:

"Damn..."

Kenshin pulled back his sword and chuckled.

Kenshin:

"Not bad, but you still leave too many openings, my lord."

Ardi wiped the sweat from his forehead and took up his stance again.

Ardi:

"Again."

Kenshin raised his eyebrows and nodded.

Kenshin:

"Alright. This time, focus on your defense."

They sparred once more. Ardi began to copy Kenshin's moves, dodging attacks more efficiently and parrying at better angles. Each time, Kenshin would find a gap in Ardi's defense and take advantage of it. But slowly, those gaps started to close.

Ardi felt a change within himself. He was beginning to read Kenshin's moves better, even if he still couldn't match him completely. His Ultimate Adaptation was kicking in, speeding up his learning naturally.

Two hours passed quickly. Finally, Kenshin raised his hand to signal the end of practice.

Kenshin:

"That's enough for today. If we keep this up, you'll run out of energy by noon."

Ardi sighed deeply and planted his sword into the ground for a moment to rest. His clothes were soaked with sweat, but there was still a spark of determination in his eyes.

Ardi:

"Kenshin, be honest... I'm still far behind you, right?"

Kenshin smiled proudly at him.

Kenshin:

"Of course. But if you keep learning as fast as you are, I'm not sure how long I can stay ahead."

Ardi chuckled, even though his body felt heavy.

Ardi:

"I'll catch up with you sooner or later."

Kenshin laughed and patted Ardi's shoulder firmly.

Kenshin:

*"Then I'll make sure you're ready when that time comes, my lord."

Lord Ardi was still dripping with sweat after his kenjutsu training with Kenshin—the strict but caring sword expert. Even though he was tired, his spirit stayed high. He sat on a wooden bench near the arena to catch his breath.

Before long, Megumi and Yui arrived with a warm cloth and glass of fresh water from the Celestial Moon Well.

Ardi thought for a moment and then gave a wry smile.

Megumi blushed as she gently handed him the cloth.

Megumi:

"Ardi-sama, wipe your sweat. I'm worried you'll get too tired if you keep going like this."

Yui stepped up with a light, teasing smile, extending her glass of water.

Yui:

"Anata, drink this first. The water from the Celestial Moon Well will help you recover fast!"

Grateful, Ardi accepted the cloth and water. He wiped his face and took a long sip of the refreshing water, which seemed to wash away his fatigue.

Meanwhile, Felina—the cheerful cat-kin girl who led her people in Minori Village bounced over to Kenshin. Wearing her neat, long maid uniform, she handed a glass of water to him.

Felina paused for a moment before smiling playfully.

Felina:

"Kenshin-Sensei, thanks for patiently teaching Lord Ardi this morning. This is for you too—hope it refreshes you, Nya."

Kenshin took the glass and sipped slowly before smiling softly.

Kenshin:

"Thank you, Felina. This routine is just part of our day."

Curious, Felina tilted her head, her eyes sparkling.

Felina:

"So, does Lord Ardi really train in kenjutsu every morning, Nya?"

Kenshin nodded as he glanced over at Ardi, who was still catching his breath.

Kenshin:

"Not only kenjutsu. Lord Ardi also practices kyudo with Emi-san, studies magecraft, does fitness training, and even learns shinobi arts with Ren-san, our veteran shinobi. His training schedule is amazing for a leader."

Felina's eyes widened in shock.

Felina:

"Nya... so much training! Isn't that too much for a lord?"

Kenshin just shook his head, as if he'd already given up on reminding Ardi not to push himself too hard. Then, with a mischievous grin and a playful look at Felina, he added:

Kenshin:

"By the way, Felina... are you interested in becoming Lord Ardi's new harem candidate?"

Felina went silent immediately, her cheeks flushing and her eyes wide in surprise.

Felina:

"Nya?! You mean me, Sensei?!"

Yui laughed softly and teased in a warm, joking tone.

Yui:

"Looks like I wasn't the only one who said that last night, huh, Felina?"

Megumi added softly, though you could hear her worry.

Megumi:

"Felina, you know Lord Ardi's heart is already taken, right?"

Kenshin chuckled at the silly exchange, while Felina still looked confused and embarrassed. She had been so excited last night that she hadn't thought it all through.

Ardi asked them to stop teasing Felina.

Ardi: Enough, Yui. Please stop teasing Felina, look at her, she's as red as a tomato.

they stopped teasing felina and laughed together making the atmosphere of the daimyo castle more lively.