‘’No your movements aren’t fluid enough, and you, you’re not clearing your mind stop thinking and rely your instincts.’’

‘’She’s saying that but it really isn’t much of a hint.’’

Calling the girl shouting at the three young men strict would be an understatement.

It had been five hours since camp had been built up.

As promised Yukino went to Andor’s sight to train Kaze and his friends for the coming days.

Luckily Ran had given her permission on training them, which came as a pleasant surprise.

Regardless of his decision Yukino would have gone anyway.

But since those three youngsters were promising soldiers he thought that Yukino’s advise could bring them to another lever. Though the main reason he allowed it was that he loved the thought of Kazehaya suffering.

Ignoring her father’s evil smile Yukino started preparing her material.

Before they were allowed to do weapon training Yukino first gave them a simulation training to see at what level their strategizing was.

Naturally Kazehaya and Fubuki passed, with a remarkable grade that was greater then what she had expected.

When it was Rentaro’s turn she fell silent at his stupidity, almost so that she wanted to call it a night.

Thankfully Setsuna was able to cheer her up after which Yukino started to intensely lecture Rentaro about strategies.

She spoke of situations which they would not have been in before so that Kazehaya and Fubuki would be able to participate as well.

Spending one hour on strategies simulations seemed to be the limit for Rentaro.

His earlier expression changed from determination to a thousand yard stare.

‘’Well physical training would be best for you ehehe.’’

Yukino tried to laugh off the current situation but it was incredibly forced.

‘’Alright this is my kind of training.’’

Being in the great outdoors was where he felt most at home, having grabbed their weapons the three were in wait of Yukino.

She said there was something she absolutely must have to teach them.

‘’Ah, here she com… Y-Yuki what exactly is that.’’

Kaze had to stop mid-sentence and ask for an explanation as to what the object in her hand was.

‘’Hmm? Oh, this is just a whip ‘’

It was a small whip so as to not inflict any serious injuries, it’ll of course let them learn their lesson though.

‘’Yes that was clear but what are you going to use it for?’’

He dreaded the answer which he knew would come.

‘’If you are disobedient or talk back to me I’ll need to discipline you don’t I.’’

What a strange sight her face seemed to graceful an terrifying at the same time.

Such a feat would only be achievable with someone with great beauty.

Her eyes which would normally be compared to a gem were now more like the fires of hell.

First off she had fought with Rentaro to see at what level he was.

She made Fubuki do simple target shooting and accurately observed his every move.

Kaze had earlier fought with Yukino so he was has on the sideline together with Setsuna.

Happily watching over the other two made them just more anxious.

‘’Kaze were done here so let’s get started.’’

‘’Ah, coming! I’ll be off then.’’

‘’Please be careful.’’

Setsuna looked at Kaze with her hands clasped as if she were praying.

He tried to laugh it off but that only made him more anxious.

‘’Here, for now until we reach Muzou plains these will be your weapons.’’

She took out weapons out from a chest and handed them one by one.

For Kaze a claymore, it was hard to handle considering the difference in length with his regular broadsword. When he tried to swing it his balance was thrown off.

For Rentaro a poleaxe, it being a different type of weapon made it feel weird in his hands. He has barely any experience with spear type weapons so it’ll take some time to get used to.

And for Fubuki a longbow, being difficult to draw to its extent was a tough task even for most adults, which is why there are so little famous longbow users.

The three exchanged glances of confusion with one another. All of this lead to their current situation.

Making them all get known familiar with their weapons was the first hurdle they needed to overcome.

So in that fashion Yukino made sure that they got very well-known with them.

‘’Come on swing like you normally do! Don’t let your sword throw you around like that!’’

Sweat dripped of Kaze’s head onto his weapon making him see a reflect of himself.

‘’Right!’’

Though he was panting heavily and barely able to remain on his feet he kept swinging his sword.

‘’Kaze…Mmh I’m not gonna be the first to drop out.’’

‘’Don’t go forgetting about me now.’’

Being a sore loser came in handy at times like these, if they were do call it quits they would do it together.

‘’A-alright guys that’s enough, remember that the real battle is only a few days away. So make sure you don’t overdo it and take enough rest, okay?’’

Thinking that none of them would admit defeat Yukino decided that she would put an end to this.

Almost instantaneously the three dropped to their knees, Yukino and Setsuna quickly helped them up.

‘’Geez, you guys just don’t know when to give up do you.’’

The three youngsters started to laugh, even though it only made their breathing hurt more.

‘’Kaze there you are, want to go the strategy… I guess not eh?’’

Appearing from behind a tent was Skald gleefully asking Kaze to join him. But seeing as he could barely remain on his feet he would rather let him rest.

‘’*Huff-huff* No, please take me with you.’’

‘’… Alright here I’ll lend you a shoulder.’’

‘’Eh?’’

Extending his hand out to Kaze he slowly pulled him out putting his arm around his shoulder.

‘’W-wait a second Skald shouldn’t you be the voice of reason here?!’’

Even if she had pushed him this far Yukino was of course still worried about his wellbeing.

Without turning around Skald gave her an answer.

‘’Sometimes you just got to let a man do what he wants. Because no matter what you try they will do it regardless of what someone else thinks.’’

‘’*sigh* Guess there’s no helping it, here let me help.’’

Grabbing Kaze’s one free hand and wrapping it around her shoulder made the two look like a couple.

So as to not ruin the lovely mood between the two Skald handed him over to her.

‘’Thank you Yuki’’

‘’*blush* Shut up and start walking.’’

He hadn’t noticed with Skald, but Yuki’s body gave off a lot of heat. While a gust of wind blew through her hair Kaze caught a whiff of a sweet scent.

‘’Y-Yuki I’m fine really, I can walk by myself now.’’

Regaining his posture Kaze started blushing while ensuring that he no longer needed help.

‘’Just be quiet and let it happen.’’

Kaze decided to listen to her but hadn’t noticed what she mumbled under her breath. ‘’This is embracing for me too you know.’’

When the three arrived at their destination they were met by an enraged Ran.

Seeing the exhausted state Kaze was in he decided to ignore it for the time being.

Having spent one hour talking about strategies and the layout of the land made the meeting fly by.

Afterwards Skald and Kaze went back to their own camp and said farewell from Ran and Yukino.

The coming days Yukino went to Andor’s sight camp to train the boys like there was no tomorrow.

And so three days went by and Muzou plains where almost within sight. This would be the last night before they arrived.

‘’Alright looking good guys. Unlike three days ago you seem to be more adjusted with your new weapons.’’

Yukino was once again overlooking the boys training, this time also under supervision of Skald and Ran.

‘’Mhm, thanks to everyone from Andor’s sight giving us tips we were able to use them in just three days.’’ Kaze said while fluidly moving his claymore.

‘’Then I guess it’s time to get back to basics, here take these.’’

Ran, Skald and Yukino each held out one of the boys weapons.

‘’Hehe this feels kinda nostalgic though it’s only been like three days.’’

Rentaro took his longsword from Skald’s hands, and held it up while admiring the blade he swung it like he had been with his poleaxe.

‘’This feeling… It’s so different from my old style, it feel so much more flexible now.’’

He was happily swinging around his longsword, suddenly the sound of something cutting the air could be heard. He reacted in a way that he previously would not have done.

‘’Huh, Captain?!’’

‘’Not bad it seems you really adapted your fighting style after such a short while wielding a spear weapon.’’

Now it was Fubuki’s turn, he took his bow from Ran’s hands and carefully overlooked it.

Taking a quiver he knocked an arrow in his bow and quickly released it.

The speed at which he drew the bowstring back was at least twice as short as before.

His reaction speed also significantly improved thanks to the advice Yukino had given him.

‘’I had forgotten how easier it was to use a regular bow, trading in range for accuracy truly suits my fashion.’’

Lastly was Kaze, Yukino handed him his blade with a exited look that said ‘’show me what you got.’’

‘’Yuki would you spar with me once more?’’

‘’What did that brat just say?’’

‘’Ah yes Kaze let’s get to that right away!’’

Not wanting to know what Ran would do if he found out that Kaze had a nickname for her she quickly readied her sword.

Skald stood between the two and acted as judge of the match, the one how could make the first his would be the victor.

‘’Go!’’

At Skald’s signal Kaze dashed at Yukino, making quick work of the several meters that were between them. His blade felt lighter and more flexible than it ever had before, his strike now aimed for Yukino’s sword drew close.

‘’Whoa!’’

Barely dodging his blow, Yukino swiftly tried to swing at Kaze’s open side.

Thinking that it was going to end the same way as before made Rentaro and Fubuki prepare for the worst.

Only Yukino and the two parents knew that this would not spell the end.

*Shing* The sword that was supposed to thrust forwards had now met with Yukino’s sword.

‘’Wha! That fast from that form?!’’

Without giving Yukino time to catch her breath Kaze bend down as far as he could and parried the initial strike.

Just barley grazing her skin was enough for her to concede the match.

‘’Oi, oi such change isn’t even funny. ‘’You win, it’s officially my loss.’’

None knew what had happened, Yukino who is able to go head to head with enemy generals had given up.

In a long term battle Yukino would have won without a doubt, but the victory conditions were agreed upon by both the participants.

‘’I’m sorry, are you alright?’’

‘’Yeah I’m fine you just grazed me. I thought the training would work a little but it felt like you were another being all together.’’

What she said was true, it felt like someone had taken him over.

It almost felt like a unknown presence was looking over him, but it seemed to disappear immediately.

Huh… just my imagination? I guess it’s nothing.

While thinking he was swarmed by his friends and parent.

Just one person stood away from the rest, he seemed to be talking to himself.

‘’Ran did you feel that?’’

‘’Yeah… he’s a candidate.’’

To the normal person he might appear to be talking to the air, in reality he was talking to a pixie. Although she only visible to those close to him.

Instead of overloading him Kaze with question Ran decided that now was not the time to talk about this feeling.

Ran walked over to his daughter to assure that she was alright.

‘’I’m surprised he beat you only the second time he fought you.’’

Not paying attention she did not hear Ran talking to her, all that mattered was her opponent and her friend in front of her.

Her thoughts were racing but in her eyes was a crystal clear excitement.

‘’Eh? Yukino are you present? It’s me dad.’’ He said while lightly shaking her.

‘’Shut up you're annoying.’’ Her answer hurt even more now that she said it in such a monotone voice.

Frozen in place, his mind had become separated from this reality.

‘’Well she’s at that age you know, pretty soon she’ll be thinking about marriage and stuff.’’

His eyes had turned into a dead white color. Looks like that was the finishing blow.

‘’Ah, guess that didn’t cheer you up did it?’’

Switching her attention over from Ran to Kaze. ‘’Still that boy might end up being even more usefully than we thought.’’

Like that the last day passed and they set foot on Muzou plains on the fifth night since they left Alos.

As told by the scout a camp had been set up ten kilometers away from their position.

The banners which fluttered were of a fire bird, commonly known as the immortal phoenix.

‘’Ignus Pyralis Falak, you have raised the banners of war upon our country. As Lord of Nivalis I cannot allow your sins to go unpunished. …This war shall end right here!’’