Hell, there was no better word to define the last hour for the duo. Even the usual bubbly girl, Mizuha, was weeping pretty loudly. The training pair, Narukami, and Ayano also dazedly staring at each other when understanding that soon it's their turn.

"I didn't expect that we used all of the forty healing potions." blurted Ryu after checking the two storage rings that he lends on the currently crying duo. Before long, he shrugged off his shoulder. "Well, there's no helping it, I guess I'm back using the dull side of the dagger for the rest of the day."

"Hey, that's not fair!" exclaimed Mizuha while covering her dyed red and torn clothes with her hand. In the next second, she pointed out her finger to the orange-haired girl; "Ayano should've some in her storage ring."

"Really?" Ryu inquired about the possibility as he steals a glance toward Ayano. But, out of sudden, Narukami steps forward, smoothly covering her with his body. Because of this act, Ryu begins to tilts his head. "What are you doing?"

"Umm, Ayano said she doesn't bring any with her."

"Eh?" Hearing the reply that she never mutters, Ayano eyed on Narukami. Sensing the gaze, Narukami also turns his head toward her as like hinting something from his shaking pupils.

"Was that true, Ayano?"

"Ah... Yeah..." hesitated a little, Ayano gave her answer over Narukami's collar. "I see that's too bad," giggled Ryu.

"Anyways, it's your first sparring, I can't be that extreme yet."

Cracking his fist, Ryu then added, "Shall we commence the round?"

With the nods of two other participants, they finally initiated the 2nd match. To give a summary, it wasn't that different compared to the first time he fought against Verdi and Mizuha combi. The main difference was Narukami was bolder with his advance, and Ayano appeared to be worried that the spell would land on her partner;

Later, giving his comments concerning the match, Ryu decided to proceed with the next one. Because Ayano was scheduled with consecutive spars, she immediately tried to fix what's Ryu had been pointing out, and without a doubt, she's succeeded in doing so. For Verdi, maybe because he's too tired, his performance was significantly dropped if it's linked to the first;

Regarding the 4th match, Ryu can conclude that in the future, it could become the best pair. Combined with Narukami courage and Mizuha's quick-wits, they're capable of doing a barrage of attack, restricting his movement to a considerable feat. Still, for now, the most satisfying result was from Verdi and Mizuha pair. After all, there's also a possibility that Narukami's courage comes from the fact that he won't get a fatal wound on him.

"Huft, the tiredness was truly at another level."

"Here's your towel, brother." Accepting the cloth gently, Ryu proceeds to wipe his drenched face with it.

"Thanks, anyway, your combat prowess has seriously gotten better." Putting his hand on its chin, Ryu soon resumed his words. "Maybe I need to change your agenda with your stamina in my mind because that's your main problem now."

"Does that mean I wouldn't participate in the daily sparring?"

Hearing this, Ryu subconsciously furrowed his brows, "When did I say such ridiculous thing?"

"Then, what's the list you're planning to make me do?" asked Verdi with his head tilted to the side. In response to that, Ryu raised two of his finger; "I'll add another 2 hours of training that you'll need to do routinely."

"I'm not sure if I can keep up with that kind of schedule..."

Verdi had wished his brother to give him a more moderate training, but that hope was instantly gone when he saw the wave of his brother's hand. "Eii, combined with the school activity, you still have 8 hours of rest time. It's more than enough."

Overhearing the whole conversation, Mizuha suddenly interjected, "Is that still considered normal?"

"Well, think of it as a way to adapt to the Dungeon environment."

"Is the Dungeon that harsh?" Hearing the inquiry about the Dungeon, like usual, Ryu's personality has become sterner. Clearing his throat, he then replied, "Of course, once you reach the Dungeon's upper floor, this training could be viewed as heaven!"

"Why did you know about such things, Ryu?" Caught off guard with the unexpected question from Ayano, Ryu stammered his response, "Ah, t-that's, I heard the details from the receptionist."

"I see... Then I'll try to execute the extra schedule..." Feeling compliant and convinced, Verdi hesitantly accepted the proposal. Simultaneously, as Ryu doesn't want the topic to went further, he stroked Verdi's green hair enthusiastically. "As I expected from my brother!"

Following that conversation, the gathering finally got disbanded for the day. Because Ayano is the city lord daughter, Ryu decided to escort her home. Of course, that wasn't his only reason.

***

The night was surprisingly more fascinating than it usually was, there's an abundant amount of sparkling stars, some are big, some are small. And somehow, the full-moon appeared to be so close that it became so hard to describe the beauties of it.

In the middle of savoring this scenery to his heart content, Ayano suddenly initiated the talk;

"You're really something else to be able to last that long in fights."

To the compliments, Ryu began to grin, "Thanks, you're not mad at me anymore?"

"As I said, I'm not angry."

"Really?"

"Well... A bit..." Ayano cheeks could be seen reddened up from embarrassment. At the same time, she also felt a bit puzzled. Why she's acting like this? Did she being frank with her feeling just now?

"It seems you're opened up a little."

"Eh? What do you mean?" Looking perplexed, Ayano gradually halted her movements. Because of that, Ryu also stopped his foot before smiling at her.

"I know you need to mind your demeanors as the lord daughter, but you can be honest with our team if that's still too hard for you..." Grabbing Ayano shoulders with both of his hands, Ryu then closes the distance between their face, staring at her attractive purple eyes affectionately.

"When we're alone, you can pour it to me, your emotions, feelings, and everything else. You can be yourself with me!" Following that shout, an awkwardness instantly fell on the air. '... Shit, why did I said such things!?'