"Well, we'll see you later then. Try not to die training, little one HAHAHA."

"Haha… don't be so dramatic. It can't be that bad..."

"Oh, trust me. Sif trained both Hilda and me too. There were days in which we hid in the maneating frozen troll's cave over training with her."

"I second that," Hilda replied, cowering behind Leif with a terrified expression on her face.

Oh fuck.

"You guys are just joking, right? Please tell me they're joking, Sif."

"So that's where you went. Once we're back in Skuld, I'll make sure to check the caves too when you go missing."

"You had to go open your big mouth, didn't you, Leif you moron? We're doomed."

"YOU SAID YOU AGREED. WHY IS IT MY FAULT NOW. AND SHE'S YOUR SISTER. IT'S UP TO YOU TO STOP HER."

"SHUT UP, DUMBASS."

"STOP CALLING ME DUMB YOU'RE THE STUPID ONE."

"You are a disgrace to our tribe. Let's go to the training area before these slackers influence you too, for the worst," Sif told me while looking disappointed at them. "

I'm going to die. That's it. This psycho is gonna run me ragged.

-------

How much longer do we need to walk? Why is the training area so far from the centre of Ayla? I'll be exhausted before we even get there.

"Are those the town gates?"

"Yes."

Not much of a talker, is she...

Are those? Yeah, they are finally some guards in this town, but only at the gates?

"Why does this town have no guards besides at the gates?"

"Don't you know that Tayma is at war? Most of their men are either in training or trying to conquer their neighbouring city-states. And, given the constant riots in this shithole, they decided to have the guards just protect the gates and royal properties."

"So that's why we're going outside? The training area is booked by the military?"

"Yes. Be quiet now. You're asking too many questions."

Tough.

We continued on to walk in silence for the rest of the way. I'd have loved to learn more about Sif, ask her about herself, and find out who the girl in the pendant was. I couldn't grumble, though, because the silent trek in the woods was still a wonderfully calming experience.

The muddy brown road I was acquainted with in Ayla had turned purple and white as a result of the gorgeous gleaming mushrooms and blossoming flowers.

What is the height of these pine trees? I didn't even know they could grow this tall they would easily tower skyscrapers from my world.

The picturesque undertone of this sight made me feel like I was walking through a painting.

All of this, together with the gentle wind stroking my cheeks and the rich grassy odour filling my lungs, had helped me forget why we were heading there.

WOW. THAT'S MASSIVE.

"WHAT'S WITH THAT?"

"Origo omnium," Sif said with a neutral face.

DON'T LOOK SO SAD ABOUT TALKING TO ME, DAMN.

"Agh. I don't know why but Leif really wants you in this par-"

"Aren't you the one in charge?"

"Do not interrupt me while I'm speaking. I always listen to Leif. If you don't know the reason, it's not my place to tell you.

Anyway, as I was trying to say before you interrupted me, it's better if you at least know something about this world.

According to legend, Marduk was born in this crater."

"The god?"

"..."

"Oh right, sorry, go on. I'll stop interrupting."

"Okay. Well, Ayla was founded shortly after his birth, so it's the oldest town in the region of Nativitas Dei.

Why do you look so confused? Haven't heard about it?"

I figured it was in my best interests at this time to just nod yes instead of speaking.

"Nativitas Dei is the region east of the Arbormos mountain range."

Oh, that must be the mountain with that sacred lake.

"Because of the recent economic development in this region, all of these municipalities have declared themselves autonomous city-states. Tayma, on the other hand, was determined to expand its jurisdiction, which is why Ayla is in such a bad state."

"But why does Ayla look so new for an ancient town?"

"Kingdoms come and go here. Ayla has been destroyed and rebuilt several already."

"But why?"

"Religious reasons obviously, we're here now, let's climb down now, we'll train there, the mana present in the crater is overpowering, so it'll rapidly make you stronger."

-------

"Unsheathe your sword now."

"Already? You haven't even taught me anything yet."

"I want to see the level you're at."

Well, let's give it a try. Wait, she's chanting a spell??

"Stop. That's not fair, is it."

"Shut up. I'll show you the might of my tribe."

That's literally just smurfing.

"BE PREPARED FOR MY ATTACK THEN. AAAAAAAAA."

WTF, WHERE DID SHE GO.

"First and foremost, moron, do not announce your attack."

"How are you so fast?"

"My speed and might can rival the sky's when I cast honour of Skuld. Even with my eyes closed, you couldn't strike me."

"Do it then. Close your eyes."

I'll strike her leg.

"Slow again. And terrible form."

"YOU HAD YOUR EYES CLOSED. HOW COULD YOU KNOW. Also, are you sure we should use our swords for this? It could be dangerous."

"You're not gonna land a hit, so no. Again."

We kept at it for what felt like an eternity, but still, I could never even get close to hitting her.

"Enough, I've seen enough. Let's get to practice from the start."

"First of all, why are you gripping it with only one hand? Hold your hands in this position. Your dominant hand should be near the guard, and your other hand should be close to the pommel. For the love of god, stop treating it like an object. Consider it an extension of your arms."

"Like this?"

"No. Keep your hands where they are. Now begin swinging until I instruct you to come to a halt."

"Okay."

"Have you just never done this? You're terrible at this. Do 20 pushups as a punishment."

IMMEDIATELY? I ONLY SWUNG ONCE.

"..."

"Okay.

19... and 20."

"Good go again. But now, try to use gravity to your advantage. Stop fighting against it so much.

Terrible again. Stop and do 30 squats."

"Are you sure I shouldn't focus on just learning swordsmanship instead of working out?"

"I'm the master, so listen to what I say, or I'll hit you with a stick."

"VIOLENCE? You wouldn't, right?"

"Do you want to find out?"

LEIF WAS RIGHT. SHE'S A PSYCHO.

"Okay, okay, I'll do it."

"Good, now back to swinging. STOP STOP STOP ALREADY. Don't shake so much. Go for a straight swing, or your swing will be imbalanced and ineffective. 30 pull-ups."

"Can I at least take a breather and get a drink?"

"No."

"But I'll die."

"I don't care, hurry."

"Just a sip."

"Take a sip from that jug, and I'll hit you with a stick."

"YOU'VE REALLY HIT ME. I WAS JUST DRINKING. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU. IT HURTS."

"I told you to listen. Now work."

"Good, back to swinging at that tree now."

"Fuck sake, okay."

"STOP AGAIN. You must be doing it on purpose now. Don't move your neck and head forward while swinging. You're gonna lose your balance. 50 crunches."

"50??? NO, NO, PUT THE STICK DOWN. I'LL DO IT."

We kept at it for hours until I felt like my body was falling apart.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a stick could be that terrible and my deadliest enemy. How did she go through 5 sticks on my back? My ribs must have turned into mashed potatoes by now. But how do they still feel okay?

I had to make my way back to the Inn on my hands and knees.

I'm never going to work out with her again.