“Bandits!” A call is heard from outside.

Serah lets out a groan and climbs out of her sleeping bag. She gives Nickie a kiss on the lips and smiles. “Stay here, babe. Momma will be back soon.” She says, feeling that the middle of the camp was safe enough. “Kitty, watch over her.” Serah says to Shadow before grabbing her sword and shield and leaving the tent.

“Meoww.” The kitty calls out before laying back down to nuzzle against Nickie's arm.

Nickie simply lets out a snore, unaware of the situation.

…

…

Serah played it dangerously… Very dangerously… She was risking hits that she would have been able to safely avoid, all for the advantage in the next strike. Oddly enough, she was doing better than she hoped. She was simply blazing through the battlefield, almost completely unharmed.

When the remaining bandits turned to flee, Serah stares wide-eyed at what was left behind.

“Damn, girl. Hey, who brought the she-wolf? This chick wrecked those bandits!” One of the merchants calls out. He was watching from the sidelines and watched as Serah crossed the battlefield, leaving one body after the other.

Serah lets out a blush, somewhat embarrassed. This wasn’t how she expected it to turn out. She expected it would end up much more bloody on her end.

Serah lets out a sigh. Well, that’s no fun. She thinks as she walks away.

…

…

Serah continued to push herself throughout the journey, forcing the stress on her mind while hoping for a more productive level-up. And the results… Were very weird… It was almost as if she was born to fight this way, to be relentless at every step, to be unstoppable. It’s almost as if… as if… I’ve been blessed by the deity of war! Serah thinks with wide eyes, before fury appears on her face. That bitch! She’s been quiet for so long but she’s still messing with my life! Serah thinks furiously as she begins to use her Call Deity ability.

“Hey, babe. How’ve you been? You haven’t called home in a while. Mommy’s been worried.” The deity of war says in her usual forward personality.

“Have you been messing with my fights!?” Serah asks immediately. Serah hated when people put their noses where they didn’t belong. If she was going to achieve something, she wanted it to be through her own efforts, not some random blessing.

“What? Babe, I would never. Unless you were in mortal danger, of course. You know I’ll take care of you.” The deity of war says, sounding mildly offended.

“Well, whatever you’re doing, stop! There’s no way I’m this good of a fighter! I should at least have a few scars after all of that!” Serah exclaims, describing her disbelief.

The deity of war lets out a chuckle. “Sorry, babe. I hate to be the one to break this to you, but you’re just that good. You pushed yourself out of your comfort zone and you broke the seal. Now you have no choice but see things that other people can’t, opportunities that other people are unable to understand. And of course your body is going to do what it does best, and keep you safe. So really, it’s pretty understandable that you’re this good. Especially considering the rabble you’ve been facing. You gotta find stronger opponents, my dear Serah.” She explains, somewhat amused.

Serah’s eyes widen, shocked, not sure what to say.

“Anyways, if that’s all, I’ll be going. Keep up the good work. I’m rooting for you.” The deity of war says before her voice disappears.

Am I that good? Serah wonders, not daring to believe it. No, it’s just that these bandits are trash. Yeah, that must be it. Serah thinks before letting out a breath of relief.