It was a clear sky that day, looming over the city of Riser. Through the streets, a hooded woman made her way through the crowd of the market, entering a back alleyway where she was greeted by two men in cloaks.

"Is everything ready?"

"The preparations are nearly complete. In a month, we should be ready. We just need the appropriate sacrifice. Our 'colleagues' will be taking care of that."

"Good." One of the cloaked figures looked up to the clear sky. "Not long now. Our time will come," Raising a hand to the sky, a faint smile could be seen on his lips. "Time to shake things up,"

Fated meeting

The morning sun shone over the house. It was a peaceful morning for most in Riser. However, the front yard of the house was anything but peaceful.

"Come on, what do you call that? I told you to block!" Yuki instructed.

"I did block!" Allisa yelled, getting back on her feet after being knocked down, again. "You just hit too hard! Try going easy on me!"

"If I went easy on you, you would think you're stronger than you actually are! Now get up and try again! This time BLOCK!" Allisa grabbed the wooden sword that she was using for training and came at Yuki again.

Two weeks had passed since Yuki agreed to help Allisa's swordplay. However, it was not going as well as to be expected. Nel came outside where the two were practicing. Max and Melvin were watching.

"I hear a lot of yelling. I take it to mean she's still not making progress?" She asked watching Allisa getting knocked off her feet again.

"Yep," Melvin said with an exhausted nod.

"The jerk's been beating her senseless for the past two weeks. Of course, she's not making any progress." Max added with a scowl.

"I understand his method of not taking it easy on her, although he could back off a little," Melvin said, as another argument broke out between Allisa and Yuki, "cause his 'teach hard' strategy isn't really working."

"To me, it seems like all they've done is argue." Said Nel. "Not as much as you two though." She added, looking at Max. She then dodged the wooden sword Allisa's been using, which she threw at Yuki but missed.

"That's it! We're taking a Break!" Allisa yelled storming off.

"Hold on, we're not done here!" Yuki yelled back. Allisa, however, was already long gone. "Why did I agree to do this?" he said to himself, barely containing his frustration.

"Cause you owe us," Max said grinning.

"Can it Pyro! I never would've agreed if I realized she was this bad!"

"I have to agree with him," Melvin said. "It's been two weeks and she hasn't gotten any better."

"Not surprising given that he simply beats the crap out of her day after day," Max said.

"You have a problem with methods?" Yuki glared at him.

"For once, I have to side with Max on this. Your teaching methods don't seem to be working. I agree with not going easy on her, but just beating her senseless and yelling at her all day isn't helping her progression." Nel said.

"Well, you think of something that can give her better sword skills then? I'm all ears."

Nel gave him a smile. "Already have." She then held up a poster for all to see. "Think back to when she fought off against one of the leaders of the Rats in Lers."

****

"Damn this! I've been here for three weeks and I haven't made any progress!" Allisa said to herself as she went through the busy city market. Various stalls were set up along the street, selling everything from weapons to food. People from ordinary citizens, soldiers and what looked like travelers were gathered in great numbers, some glancing towards the girl who was talking to herself before trying there best to avoid eye contact.

"Most normal people from my world would be enjoying their summer vacation. Down at the beach, playing sports, seeing movies, I'm sure Lucy's having the time of her life with Archery. I, on the other hand, am stuck in another world because I happened to find some sword stuck in a rock and had to pull it lose."

She ranted on an on as she wandered through the street, and eventually came to a stand where she noticed store owner was holding a girl in a dark clock by the wist. "Huh? What's going on there?"

"I'll pay. I promise." The girl was saying, a hint of pain in her voice.

"You don't have any money on you and yet you gave away an apple to some street urchin."

"I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Sorry!" The man twisted the girl's arm, forcing her to the ground. "I'll make you sorry. Your going pay of this debt one way or another."

"Hey!" Allisa then rushed in. "How much?"

"What?"

"You said she took an apple, right. I'll pay for it." The man looked at Allisa and then back to the woman he was holding.

"Do you know this thief?"

Allisa looked at the girl he had in his hand, coming up with an excuse. "She's my.... Uh, sister."

"Sister?"

"Yeah. Sorry, she can be absent-minded at times." Allisa said to the owner with a smile. "So how much."

The man took a look at the girl before giving his answer. "50." He said, holding out his hand. Allisa reached into her pocket where she pulled out the pouch she used for money, and took out 50 Rundes and gave it to the man. He inspected the money before shoving the girl onto her. "Next time I'm calling the guard." He said as he walked back to his stand.

Allisa exhaled as the girl got off her. "That was scary." She said to herself before turning to the girl she rescued. "Are you ok?"

"Oh yes." The girl bowed to Allisa. "Thank you. I promise to reimburse you for your kindness."

"Uh, no it's fine," Allisa said to her, slightly embarrassed about being bowed to.

"Sorry. There was a child staring at an apple looking so hungry. I didn't realize that it was for sale." The girl said as she rose.

"This is a market," Allisa said looking around. "Pretty much everything is for sale."

"I don't get out much. This is the first time I've been to a market." The girl said nervously.

Taking a look at her, Allisa guessed that she was around her age. "But you must at least have some money on you. Who would come into town without anything?"

"I guess I didn't think that far ahead." The girl said laughing. "Oh, how rude. I haven't told you my name." she then straightened her posture. "I'm Elizabeth. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance'." She bowed again.

"Um, you don't need to bow," Allisa replied, awkwardly. "I'm Allisa." She then stuck out her hand to shake. Elizabeth looked slightly confused at what to do. She really is something. Allisa took her hand and shook it. "Like that."

"Oh, I see." Elizabeth seemed slightly amazed, as though this was the first time she ever shook hands with someone. Allisa would have thought her as strange. But given everything she had experienced in Avalon so far, everything seemed strange to her.

"So, are you heading anywhere?" Allisa asked Elizabeth as she let go of her hand.

"Well, I have been trying to find the central plaza. I've wanted to see it for some time now. But I don't know where it is."

"The central plaza? I think I know where that is. Want me to show you?"

"Are you sure? I hate to impose."

"It's fine. I'm not actually doing anything at the moment. In fact, you'll be doing me a favor." Allisa recalled why she went into town and would prefer to have some time to herself without her four, rather loud and annoying companions. "I think we keep going down this way." She said pointing down the street.

"Very well. I will follow your lead."

"You don't have to be so formal all the time," Allisa said as they began walking down the street.

"Oh, forgive me," Elizabeth said with a bow.

"Never mind." Allisa sighed.

****

Central plaza was, as its name suggested, the center of Riser. It was filled with market stalls around a large statue of some hero, riding heroically on a horse. The most striking feature was the large cathedral on the North end of it. It was a cathedral to the Goddess of Harmony. Various churches could be found across the city, ranging from small shrines to large buildings. The cathedral was the largest, and one of the most popular landmarks of Riser. On a bench on the South side of the plaza, Elizabeth looked up in wonder at the size of the cathedral. She was also taken in by the various stands. The aroma of food was present, filling her senses of smell.

"Here" Allisa stood next to her, holding two meat raps, handing one to Elizabeth. "You wanted one, right?" Elizabeth's stomach growled staring at the rap.

"Thank you." She said as she took it. She investigated the food while Allisa took a seat by her. She was wondering what the proper way to eat it was. She took a look at Allisa, who just took a bite out of it. Elizabeth copied her and took a bite out of the rap.

"Delicious." She said with glee. "And to think you eat this with your hands." She took another bite. "What kind of meat is this? It's divine."

"I really don't know." To Allisa, the meat tasted like beef. Since she was in another world, it could be something different, and not something she wanted to find out. "You went kidding when you said you don't get out much."

"No. In fact, this is my first time alone."

"So why did you want to come here?"

"I see the cathedral from my bedroom window. I just wanted to see it up close, at least just once."

Allisa was curious about where Elizabeth was from. Given the way she spoke and her over the top manners, she figured she was some kind of aristocrat. She decided against asking about it since she was dressed like she ran away from home.

She noticed that Elizabeth was staring at the people in the market. She noticed that she was smiling. "Everyone looks so happy." She said. Allisa noticed some sadness in her voice. "It must be nice, to live such peaceful lives."

"It's not like that where you’re from?"

"Not really, everyone seems so serious. At times, I think that they've forgotten how to smile." Elizabeth replied, staring up at the cathedral.

"That sounds sad," Allisa replied.

"Even my brother seems so serious at times. We don't play around like we use to. I know that he can't, and he's doing important work. I just seem to miss what it was like when we were young." Elizabeth's attention turned back to Allisa. "Sorry. I didn't mean to dwell on the past like that."

"It's ok. Sounds like your life's tough." Allisa said while taking another bit of her rap.

"It's not that tough, really." She looked at the crowds in the square. "But sometimes, I just wish I could just run away and be like everyone here. But when I do try to leave, it always causes problems for other people."

"You can say that again." A voice came from behind Allisa and Elizabeth. Behind them stood two men, both clad in armor and unhelmeted. One man stood tall, with a long face, and long dark hair. The other was slightly shorter. He had a square face with short brown hair.

Elizabeth looked with surprise at the two men. "Garlahad. Kuradeal."

"Do you know them?" Allisa said pointing at the two newcomers.

"You!" The man with long hair said, making Allisa jump. "Step away from the princess this instant."

"P-princess?" Allisa looked confused. "You mean Elizabeth?"

"How dear you address her so casually you peasant!" The man stormed towards Allisa, who got up and turned to face him, still lost in what was going on. "That is Princess Elizabeth Solma Grace Rosaria, second in line to the throne."

"P-princess?" She looked at Elizabeth still confused. "You mean?" Elizabeth remained seated, looking down at the ground. "You're a Princess?!"

"Watch your tone! You are in the precise of royalty." The man reached for his sword. "Evict yourself from her sight before I decide to remove you permanently."

"That enough Kuradeal," Elizabeth said to the man with a stern voice.

"But princess, you should associate yourself with such low life scum like her." Kuradeal pleaded. "I mean, look at that outfit. She's obviously some kind of prostitute or some other kind of low life."

"Huh? P-Prostitute?" Allisa was still reeling from the shock of finding out about Elizabeth to follow up on Kuradeal's insults. "Uh... I really had no ide-"

"Admit it, you were attempting to abduct the princess." Kuradeal continued his accusations. "Or were you sent to assassinate her? Well?"

"Kuradeal." The other man said. "Go back. I'll escort the princess from here."

"But Garlahad, you can't honestly let this wench go unpunished." Kuradeal pleaded to the man. "I mean, for all we know, she could have infected the princess with some disease."

"Kuradeal." Elizabeth said, still with a stern voice. "Return to the castle at once."

"But your highness-"

"That's an order." Elizabeth fixed him with a serious look. Kuradeal was frozen by her stare. He then turned to Allisa with a look of annoyance, and then looked back at Elizabeth.

"As you command your highness." He said reluctantly before storming off.

"What just happened?" Allisa said to herself, still confused.

The other man then approached her. "What's your name?" He asked.

"Um, A-Allisa." She answered nervously, slightly intimidated by him.

The man smiled and stuck out his hand. "Garlahad." He introduced himself. Allisa nervously took his hand and shook. "I apologize for my partner. He had too much to drink last night, so he's a little more cranky than usual." He said as he released Allisa's hand.

"That was still out of line," Elizabeth said.

"You know he only wants what's best for you," Garlahad said to Elizabeth. "Sure he can be a bit rude at times, but he's a good person at heart...... I think." He then turned back to Allisa. "Thank you for watching out for her," he said.

"Oh, N-no problem," Allisa said.

Garlahad then turned to Elizabeth. "Time to go, your highness." He said as he walked too her.

"Can I at least say goodbye to her?" She asked him.

"Of course. I'll wait over there." He then walked to the nearby building, leaving Elizabeth and Allisa alone. He was still within sight.

"I'm truly sorry," Elizabeth said to her. "It was never my intention to deceive you." Elizabeth bowed to Allisa.

"No, no, no, it's ok really. And I told you don't have to bow."

"I thought you might be intimidated by me if you knew I was the princess," Elizabeth said as she raised her head.

"It's fine. I mean sure, that did take me by surprise, but it wouldn't change anything between us."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. We're friends, after all, right?" She said with a smile.

"Friends?" she said quietly to herself. "Yes, we are." She bowed again at Allisa.

"You don't need to bow, really."

"Oh sorry." Elizabeth then stuck out her hand. "Like this." Allisa nodded and held her hand. "I hope we can meet again."

"Yeah. I Hope so too." Allisa withdrew her hand after they shook. Elizabeth started walking towards Galahad, but stopped and turned to face her again.

"Thank you for today. I had so much fun." She called out to Allisa.

"Don't mention it," Allisa said back.

"And thank you, for being my first friend." She then ran towards Galahad, and then the two departed.

"First friend huh." She wasn't sure why, but that made her happy. "That kinda takes me back." She then dazed off at the sky. "I guess this wasn't a lousy day after all." She then let out a sigh, deciding that she should go back to the house. "Well, time to get the crap beaten out of me, again."

*****

"I'm back," Allisa said as she walked through the door of the house.

"Great. We're leaving." Nel said, who was standing in the hall fastening her blades to her waist.

"Huh?" Allisa looked confused.

Nel handed Allisa a poster.

"What's this?"

"A better way of training you." She said as she turned to the stairs. Allisa studied the poster in more detail.

"Troll terrorizing our town, please help." Allisa read from the poster. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

Life of an Adventurer

The giant gates of Riser loomed behind the party as they made their way down the road. "Finally," Max said, stretching. "We haven't been out since we went to Lers."

"Yeah. Over two weeks," said Melvin, who was walking beside him. "It's good to finally be going somewhere."

"Oh man. Finally, some fresh air. Being cooped in the house with that sword bastard for two weeks, I'm ready to let off some steam."

"You've done nothing but fight with him. I'm not surprised."

"That guy's just an ass. I could bet anytime I want."

"Yeah right," Yuki said, who was walking behind them. "I'll wipe the floor with you pyro."

"Bring it on!" Max yelled as he turned around.

"Fight later! We need to be professional here!" Melvin snapped at the two.

"I am professional. He's the brat here." Yuki said.

"And what makes you so professional sword bastard," Max said as he locked heads with Yuki.

"For one, I don't go around destroying entire buildings. And you can't be depended on to run a simple errand, like getting food."

"Are you still complaining about that? Everyone else was happy about the sandwiches I bought. You're the only one that was complaining."

"That's because mine was half eaten!"

"That didn't take long," Nel said. She was behind Yuki, and stopped as the two broke into another fight. Behind her was Allisa, who was still holding the poster from earlier with a very worried look.

"Can you tell me what we're doing now?" She asked.

"As you know, your current training regiment isn't working out,"

"You call that training...?"

"So we're taking a different approach."

"Ok, so what does this have to do with this?" Allisa asked, waving the poster.

"It seems that you’re one of those people who learn through experience. So for now on, we're going on jobs to give you some experience." She said.

"So we're going to fight this troll?"

"No, you'll be fighting the troll."

Allisa glanced up with horror in her eyes. "W-what? On my own?"

"We'll step in when you're in trouble."

"Don't you mean if I'm in trouble?"

"Oh, of course." Nel didn't sound too convincing, which made Allisa more worried.

"How dangerous is this thing supposed to be?" She asked as they started to resume their walk, leaving Max and Yuki in the rear.

"That depends on the troll itself," Melvin answered. "If they have some kind of club, then they're probably very dangerous."

"So will this thing have a club or not?" Allisa asked.

"That depends on how strong the troll is," Nel answered.

"You're not helping!" Allisa said out of annoyance.

"You'll be fine. You've managed to exceed everyone's expectations in Lers, remember." Nel said.

"No kidding, that guy was tough," Melvin said. Allisa only had a vague recollection of her fight. Nel did explain what had happened, but she still couldn't remember clearly.

"I guess so," Allisa said, rubbing her left shoulder. One thing she did remember was the invisible sword cutting her then Nel stepped in, rest of the fight being a bit of a blur from her rushing out and challenging the man.

She then studied the poster again. "Where did you get this anyway?" she asked Nel.

"The adventurers guild. They post up jobs such as that one." She answered.

"Adventurers?" Allisa thought to herself. She had heard that term being used on several occasions, but never knew exactly what it meant. "I've been meaning to ask. What exactly is an adventurer?"

"Sort of like a freelancer. They take on varied jobs from different people. It involves a lot of travel, so they're generally called 'adventurers.'"

"I see. So what kind of jobs do adventures take on then?"

"Well, the most common are jobs like this one. But they can range from simple fetch tasks to bounties."

"Kinda sounds like an RPG mechanic." Allisa thought out loud.

"RPG?" Melvin asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud." She looked at the poster again. "So how far is this 'Hertre' place?" she asked.

"It's a little ways south of Riser. We should be there soon." Nel said, looking at a map. She handed it to Allisa to inspect. It was a map of the area around Riser. Hertre was circled on it, showing the town to be to the south-west of the city by the Green Woods, the area she first appeared in after being teleported from her world. She felt nervous about doing this alone. Though it beat the current training regiment she was in.

****

Hertre was more of a village than a town. It was small, out of the way. Just a collection of buildings onto rising ground. The highest part of the town bordered a forest. It was from there that the troll who was terrorizing the town was coming from. The buildings there were completely ruined, little more than a pile of rubble.

"According to the mayor, this is where the troll is coming from," Nel said. "Therefore, this part of the town is abandoned."

"Seems like a pretty random attack if you ask me," Melvin said.

"Nonetheless, it's our job to take care of it."

"If that's the case," Allisa said turning her head, "Why am I the only one out here!?"

Allisa was at front amongst the ruined buildings while the others were amongst the buildings still intact, some distance from Allisa.

"You're taking care of it, remember," Nel called out.

"Don't worry, we'll help you when you’re in trouble," Max said.

"Try not to die. It'd be annoying if my effort I put into you were pointless." Yuki said.

"You don't sound confident that I can do this," Allisa said under her breath. She faced forward toward the forest. With the destruction around her, she felt nervous. "So, do we know if this thing will come?" She asked.

"It's usually around this time of day when it comes out. Don't be impatient." Nel instructed.

"I rather it didn't come out at all!" Sure enough, loud footsteps came from the forest.

Is that it?

They got louder and louder in a short space of time. Like with her other engagements, Allisa resisted the urge to run. She stood still, holding her sword out in front of there, preparing for the troll.

Just calm down, you can do this. She told herself, tightening her grip on her sword. It's probably not as bad as you think. And I've been through worse and survived.

A looming shadow then engulfed her as she stared up at her opponent. It was tall and ugly. Its skin was green, hair sprouting from its chest. It wore some kind of dark cloth, covering some of its body. In its hand, it held a large, thick tree branch, which is used as a club. With its black eyes, it started at Allisa.

"Um, g-guys," She said as she stared at the beast. "Little help."

"Good luck," Nel called out.

"What do you mean good luck!?" The beast then raised its Club and prepared to crush its prey. "Crap!" As it brought the club down on Allisa, she quickly dodged to the right, in time for it to crash into the ground, missing her.

That was close.

Due to its size, it wasn't that fast, which meant that outrunning it wasn't a problem. She ran to the monster's left leg and slashed at its leg. Despite the clean-cut, the wound inflicted didn't seem to faze the troll much. It picked up the club and swung at Allisa. Unable to dodge, it hit Allisa, sending her flying across the ground.

"Allisa!" Max and Melvin said simultaneously.

"Don't." Nel stopped both of them from going to help. "We can't interfere."

"What are you talking about? She's hurt!" Max protested.

"She needs to do this alone, unassisted if at all possible," Nel said firmly.

"I see your point, but-" Melvin began to protest.

"Just stay put," Yuki said. "If you help her whenever she's in a scrape, she'll become dependent on someone to help her."

"Exactly," Nel said, looking as Allisa struggled to get back to her feet. "I know it's tough, but it's essential that she learns how to fight on her own. Otherwise, she will be vulnerable when she is facing an opponent alone." Max and Melvin watched hesitantly, still wishing to rush in. untimely, they both backed down. "Don't worry. I have confidence that she'll pull through."

Back at the other side, Allisa had got back to her feet.

"That was close..."

When the troll swung before, Allisa brought up her sword in an attempt to block the blow. Despite being knocked back, it limited the damage. She was still covered in cuts and bruises from when she hit the ground as she was knocked back. The troll started to walk towards her again. And with its club smashed the ground hard again. Allisa ran back, instead of going to strike the monster again. As she did, the troll quickly picked up its club and swung at her again. Since she had run back, she was able to dodge this time, putting more distance between them. The troll rushed her, this time swinging at her. she ran back again and then dogged again as the troll smashed the ground again with its club.

This is getting nowhere. She thought to herself. I could try that Mana focusing thing I practiced. The troll unearthed its club again while Allisa got back to a safe distance. But will that help me beat this thing?

****

(2 weeks ago)

"Mana focusing?" Allisa said as she took a bite of her biscuit.

"That's right." Nel was sitting opposite her in the houses dining room, which consisted of a table with an opening to the kitchen and to the living room. "Did Melvin talk to you about it when he explained Mana to you?"

"I think so..." Allisa though back to what was now over a week ago. "Might as well tell me anyway."

"Well, you know the basics of mana channeling right?" Allisa nodded. "Mana focusing is using your mana to enhance your body. You've seen this in Lers."

"You mean that Zagrab guy?"

"Exactly. Not to mention me as well, and I guess you could argue Max's ability works a similar way. By focusing mana into certain aspects of your body, you can improve your self in combat for a limited time."

"I see. I'm guessing you're telling me this because you think I should learn it?"

"At you current level, I wouldn't recommend it given the toll it can place on your body. However," Nel leaned forward on the table. "You probably don't realize this, but during your fight, you used mana focusing."

"I did?" Allisa said, confused.

"Yes. You used your mana to increase your speed and reflexes considerably. In fact, it's properly the reason you survived against an opponent that skilled."

"Wow. I had no idea."

"Don't get ahead of yourself. You used far too much mana than you really needed, as well as recklessly unleashing it. Not to mention the enormous strain you put on your body. Most people wouldn't be able to move at all for over a month following that."

"Oh, really?" Thinking back, she remembered how weak and heavy she felt after waking up after the battle with the rats.

"Don't take it the wrong way. Mana focusing is a very advanced technique, so it's a surprise that you were able to pull it off."

"I-I really doesn't remember doing anything though. It was like, Instinct I guess."

"Regardless, it's important that you are able to 'consciously' control it. Otherwise, you'll just burn out again, or, worst-case scenario, you'll die."

Allisa gulped on Nel's words."Is it really that dangerous?" She was getting worried about where this was going.

"It comes with risks since you’re technically forcing your body to a level that it's not physically capable of. If used improperly, the damage to your body can be irreversible, or even fatal. Therefore, it's important that you know not to exert too much mana, as well as gating the body to a level where it can tolerate the strain."

"So, what do you have in mind?"

"Everyday in the afternoon, you'll be training with me on how to control your mana and to improve your body to the point where you will be able to tolerate the strain."

"What about my sword training?"

"That will be done in the mornings. I've told Yuki this so he understands."

"Hold on. My entire day is taken up with training. Do I get a break in-between?"

"Don't worry. You'll get rest." Nel then got up from the table and left the room.

"I have a really bad feeling about this."

****

Allisa held up her sword to the troll and began to concentrate. I really don't have a choice. I may not be able to pull it off every time, but it's worth a shot. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. The others watched as she stood still.

"What's she doing?" Max asked. "She's just standing there." He then saw Nel smile slightly.

"Looks like she's trying it." She said.

"Trying what?" Yuki asked.

"There's a reason why I decided to take this approach. You all must have noticed this in Lers. Allisa is the type that gets stronger when her life is at risk."

"I get that, but it doesn't answer what she's doing."

"Is she trying that thing you were teaching her?" Melvin asked. Nel nodded. As the troll approached Allisa, ready to attack again, Allisa still stood still. Her breathing was still and controlled. Her hair started to wave as though there was a rush of wind gently blowing against her. She felt a strange power flowing through her.

Two minutes. That's about as much as my body can take of this. The Toll then struck downwards again. Allisa still stood as the Club came towards her. That should be enough time. Large amounts of dust came up as the club made contact.

Max was about to rush forward before Nel stopped him. "Don't worry. She's fine, See."

As the dust settled, Allisa was seen, holding the Club back with her sword. With a heave, she pushed the club back with such force that the troll lost its balance. She then rushed forwards, cutting the monster on its upper left leg, coming out behind the troll. In response, the Troll, ignoring the wound, swung the club round. Allisa managed to run forwards, ducking so the club missed, and while it was overhead, slashed at the trolls’ wrists, severing the joints causing it to lose its grip on its club, which flew off and crashed into a pile of rubble. The troll then collapsed to one knee.

"All right! Wait a go Allisa!" Max cheered.

"You got it in the bag now! Finish it off!" Melvin joined in.

"So what exactly did you teach her?" Yuki asked Nel.

"The basics of the technique. I started with just her reflexes. When she got used to it, I taught her how to enhance strength. Then it was a matter of building up her bodies to tolerate the strain." She answered. "To be honest, I'm impressed with how quickly she picked it up."

"Looks like she's got it down. Guess she has some talent after all."

"She's not out of the woods yet." Looking at Nel, Yuki noticed she had her Piercer Eyes activated. "Max." She caught Max's attention. "Get ready."

Back at the battle, the troll was starting to get on its Feet, limping towards Allisa. "All right. I got this." She said to herself as she prepared to charge the beast. Now that it's lost its club, it was pretty much defenseless.

However, just as she was about to rush in, a sharp pain suddenly came over her body.

"What?" She then collapsed to one knee. She couldn't move due to the pain. "Wha-why.... It hasn't been two minutes yet." The troll then approached her, raising his fist, preparing to crush her. I can't move!

The best then drove its fist towards Allisa. Before it hit her, Max jumped between them, blocking the first.

"All right, you ugly piece of crap," He then burst his hands into flames, scorching the first where he clung to it. "Time to put you down!" With effort it withdrew its hand, smoldering from Max's grip.

As it took a step back, Nel appeared on the Trolls left shoulder and drove her short blade into the creature's skull. It roared in pain as it attempted to grab Nel on reflex. Nel used quickstep to escape. It then collapsed to the ground dead. She then faced Allisa, who was still unable to move.

"You over exerted yourself." She said to her. "It's important to maintain the amount of mana you use for mana focusing, and it must be kept at a constant level. If not, you will lose control and end up like that."

"S-sorry," Allisa said, slightly ashamed.

Nel approached her and patted her on the head. "Don't apologize," Allisa was a little surprised at this. She looked up, seeing Nel's smiling face. "You did very well."

Allisa felt joy at Nel's praise, which was quickly replaced by the pain she felt as she tried to stand up.

"Wow, easy." Max caught her and eased her back on the ground. "Are you ok?"

"My body feels like it's on fire." She answered, with obvious pain in her voice. "But I'll live."

"Hold still." Melvin then approached her, holding out his hands. "There are also those wounds from that hit earlier." He said as she started healing. Allisa had forgotten about the cuts and bruises from before, some of which were bleeding.

"Well. I guess we're done." Yuki said as he approached the group.

"Right. I'll let the mayor know were took care of the troll." She then turned to Allisa. "Just rest for now." Allisa nodded in response. "We'll be going on more jobs like this. Just to let you know." She said as she walked off. Yuki approached the dead troll to inspect the wounds Allisa gave it, while Max and Melvin stayed by Allisa's side.

"Not bad." He said to himself, feeling the Trolls skin. He then drew his own blade and stuck it into the Troll. "It's skin's quite thick." He then withdrew and slashed it. He then inspected his cut, in comparison to the one Allisa gave it. They were deeper, cutting through the tough hide of the troll with more power then his own blade.

"Hey! What are you doing over there?" Melvin called out. They couldn't see what he was doing clearly due to the body.

"Just checking something!" He replied.

"Checking something?"

"Ah... Just ignore him." Max said casually with his hands on his head.

"What's going on?" Allisa asked. Max had set her on the ground, so she couldn't see anything but sky.

"Nothing. Just hold still." Melvin said, continuing his healing.

"I'm really glad you’re ok," Max said to Allisa. "I knew you could do it."

"You were the most worried. Nel had to stop you going in twice." Melvin said.

"Hey! She stopped you as well."

"Just once. You were completely worried."

"Was not!"

"Was too!" The then hired Allisa chuckled out loud. "What is it?" he asked her.

"Nothing." She said with a smile.

While they were conversing, Yuki was still inspecting the wounds. He then glanced at Allisa. "I'll give the assassin credit." He said to himself. "Guess she is that type. Kinda like Ayami." He then walked back towards the town. "Not that I'm letting her off the hook for training."