The sun was setting by the time Mio, Aron, and Reina made it back to the inn, their spirits high and laughter still bubbling from their earlier victory. They found a table in the common room and settled in with food and drinks, recounting every detail of the ogre battle, analyzing each maneuver and spell. Aron and Reina were animated, sharing their perspectives, while Mio listened, offering insight and gentle corrections when they misremembered a sequence.

“That moment when you blocked the ogre’s club—right in front of me?” Reina said to Mio, her eyes wide with awe. “I don’t know if I’ll ever forget that. I thought for sure it was going to crush me!”

Mio chuckled. “It was mostly timing, focus, and a bit of luck. Remember, if your spells are well-coordinated, you’ll always have a contingency of some sort in place. That’s what matters most—planning ahead and staying calm.”

Aron, who had been mostly quiet as he listened to Mio’s advice, looked between her and Reina. “So, about planning… What should we do next? Should we keep pushing our limits? Today’s fight felt great, but I feel like we could be even stronger.”

Reina’s face lit up at Aron’s words. “Yes! Mio, will you teach me more spells? I want to improve my control and expand my options—especially with Air and Water magic.”

Mio smiled, appreciating Reina’s eagerness. “Of course. We can work on some foundational spells in those schools. Each element has unique strengths, and learning how to wield them precisely will add depth to your abilities.” She paused, her gaze flicking over to Aron. “And Aron, we can also find ways for you to enhance your strength without needing to rely on magic.”

Aron’s face softened, but he shook his head. “No need to worry about me, Mio. I want to grow on my own terms. I can see how Reina is pushing her limits with magic. I want to do the same, but with my skills. I’ll find my own path.”

Understanding his resolve, Mio nodded. She knew he was determined to rely on his own strength, but she respected his choice and admired his dedication.

As the common room emptied for the night, they made their way upstairs. Mio gave Reina a knowing look as they reached her room.

“Are you ready to start?” Mio asked, her tone light but with a hint of expectation.

Reina’s eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. I want to be as ready as possible for the next quest.”

Mio led her to the small clearing just behind the inn, where the quiet night air was filled with the hum of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves. The moon cast a gentle glow over the clearing, providing a peaceful atmosphere for practice.

“Tonight, we’ll focus on two spells: Thunder Strike and Aqua Shield. Thunder Strike is a more controlled version of the lightning spell you used before. It takes concentration, but if done right, it will strike exactly where you intend. Aqua Shield, on the other hand, is purely defensive. It forms a barrier of water that can absorb damage and deflect projectiles.”

Reina’s face was set with determination as she raised her staff, listening intently to every word.

“Start with Thunder Strike,” Mio instructed. “Feel the mana, and try to channel it as you would for your usual Magic Beam. Focus it into a more controlled arc, and visualize the energy as a direct strike rather than a beam.”

Reina closed her eyes, holding her staff steady. She focused, feeling the energy begin to build within her, a faint crackling of electricity tingling along her skin. She raised her staff, concentrating as she aimed at a distant tree. Taking a breath, she released the spell, and a bolt of lightning arced from her staff, striking the target with a sharp crack that echoed through the clearing.

She opened her eyes, a wide grin spreading across her face. “I did it! It actually worked!”

Mio nodded approvingly. “Good. Now, try again, but aim for a smaller point on the tree. The tighter your focus, the more powerful and accurate the strike.”

Reina’s expression grew serious as she tried again, this time concentrating on a specific branch. She released the spell, and the lightning bolt struck precisely where she had aimed, splitting the branch with a sharp snap. Her control was improving with each cast, and Mio could see her confidence growing.

After several more attempts, Mio held up a hand to pause her. “You’re getting better, Reina. Now, let’s shift to Aqua Shield.”

Mio guided Reina through the motions, explaining how to gather her mana and visualize a flowing, protective barrier of water. Reina took a deep breath, lifting her staff and calling forth her energy. A shimmering wall of water appeared in front of her, swirling gently as it absorbed the moonlight.

“Good,” Mio said. “Now, hold it steady. Imagine it like a shield you’re carrying. Focus on maintaining its shape and strength.”

Reina held the shield, feeling the subtle resistance as she worked to keep the water barrier intact. Her hands trembled slightly with the effort, but she kept her concentration, managing to keep the shield solid for several seconds before letting it dissolve.

She looked up at Mio, beaming with pride. “This… this feels amazing. I’ve never managed to control spells like this before. Thank you, Mio.”

Mio returned the smile, her voice warm. “You’re doing well, Reina. Remember, it’s not just about learning new spells; it’s about mastering the control and endurance to maintain them under pressure. With practice, you’ll become even more formidable.”

Reina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her determination renewed. She practiced a few more rounds of Thunder Strike and Aqua Shield, each attempt showing improvement in her control and focus. After an hour, she was panting from the effort, but her spirit remained unshaken.

“Let’s call it a night,” Mio said gently, seeing Reina’s exhaustion. “You’ve made a lot of progress, and I’m proud of you.”

Reina gave her a tired smile, nodding. “Thank you, Mio. I’m… I’m going to keep pushing myself. I want to be ready for whatever comes next.”

With that, the two of them returned to the inn. As they climbed the stairs, Mio noticed the light from Aron’s room flickering under the door. She paused, her curiosity piqued, and gestured for Reina to head to her room to rest.

Mio knocked softly, waiting until she heard Aron’s voice on the other side. She opened the door to find him standing by the window, his sword held loosely in his hand as he practiced different strikes, his movements focused and deliberate. His gaze was intense, and a bead of sweat trickled down his brow as he turned to face her.

“I see you’re hard at work,” Mio said, leaning against the doorframe with a small smile.

Aron shrugged, a faint grin crossing his face. “Just trying to keep up with Reina. She’s been making so much progress with her magic… I need to be sure I can do the same in my own way.”

Mio watched him for a moment, noting the determination in his stance and the tension in his expression. “You know, Aron, strength isn’t just about keeping up with others. It’s about growing at your own pace, finding what works for you.”

Aron lowered his sword, his gaze thoughtful. “I get that. But… I don’t want to feel like I’m falling behind. Reina’s improving so quickly with magic, and I’m just swinging a sword around.”

Mio crossed the room, her voice calm and steady. “You’re not ‘just’ swinging a sword, Aron. You’re refining your skills, building your technique, and that takes time. Reina’s path is with magic, but that doesn’t make it better or worse than yours. Both of you are needed in this team.”

Aron’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and he gave her a nod, seeming to take her words to heart. “I’ll keep working, then. I’ll keep pushing myself, but… I won’t lose sight of my own path.”

Mio placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Exactly. Now, if you’re open to it, I can show you a spell to support your physical abilities. It’s called Body Reinforcement, and it’s simple enough that you can use it even in the middle of a fight. It’ll give you temporary boosts to strength, speed, and endurance.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Aron’s eyes lit up at the offer. “That… would be great. I think that could make a real difference.”

She guided him through the spell, showing him how to channel his mana into his muscles and focus it to enhance his physical capabilities. Aron listened intently, following her instructions with determination. After a few tries, he managed to activate the spell, a faint glow enveloping his form as his muscles tensed with newfound strength.

He took a few experimental swings with his sword, his movements faster and more fluid than before. “This… this is amazing,” he said, a look of wonder on his face.

Mio nodded, satisfied. “It’s a simple spell, but it’s effective. With practice, you’ll be able to activate it instinctively, whenever you need it most.”

Aron grinned, his confidence renewed. “Thank you, Mio. I’ll work hard to master it.”

As Mio left him to his training, she felt a sense of pride in both her companions. They each had their own path, their own strengths, and watching them grow filled her with a quiet satisfaction. She knew that together, they would be ready for whatever challenges awaited them.

The next morning, the trio met in the inn’s common room, their faces a blend of anticipation and determination. Reina’s excitement was palpable, her eyes gleaming as she took a seat, and Aron’s expression had a quiet focus that Mio hadn’t seen before.

After breakfast, they decided to head to the guild’s training grounds just outside of town. The training grounds were simple yet functional, a wide open space with dummies set up along one side, and various practice weapons lining racks along the perimeter. A handful of other adventurers were already there, sparring or practicing different techniques, but they mostly kept to themselves as Glass Compass made their way to a quiet corner.

Mio stood between Aron and Reina, looking between them with a small, proud smile. “Today is about refining what you’ve learned, pushing your abilities just a little further. Reina, we’ll continue working with elemental magic, especially in maintaining Aqua Shield and refining Thunder Strike. Aron, I’ll be here to support you, but I want you to focus on using Body Reinforcement to enhance your physical skills and get comfortable with its effects.”

They both nodded, eager to begin. Reina took a few steps back and raised her staff, already channeling mana as she prepared her first spell. Aron adjusted his stance, gripping his sword with renewed determination, his gaze focused on the practice dummy in front of him.

Mio watched them closely, her expression thoughtful as she evaluated their techniques.

“Reina, let’s start with Aqua Shield,” Mio instructed. “Summon it, and I’ll test its durability.”

Reina took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as she focused her mana. A shimmering wall of water formed before her, swirling gently in the air as she shaped it with her concentration. Mio took a step forward, holding her staff loosely in one hand as she cast Wind Burst, sending a gust of controlled force toward the water barrier.

Reina’s face tightened as she held the shield steady, the water rippling but remaining intact. Mio increased the force slightly, her staff humming with energy as the gust grew stronger. Reina’s hands trembled slightly, but she managed to keep the shield stable, her determination evident in her focused expression.

“Good,” Mio said, lowering her staff. “You’ve improved, but remember to keep your energy balanced throughout the shield. A lapse in one area can weaken the entire structure.”

Reina nodded, adjusting her stance as she took a deep breath, trying the spell again. The shield reformed, more stable than before, and she maintained it for a few more moments before finally letting it dissolve. Her face lit up with pride, a smile breaking through her concentration.

“Thank you, Mio. I think I’m getting the hang of it.”

Mio gave her an approving nod. “You are. Now, try casting it faster. In a real battle, you’ll need to call it up at a moment’s notice.”

Reina’s gaze grew resolute as she practiced summoning Aqua Shield again and again, each time trying to improve her speed and stability. Mio observed her carefully, giving occasional pointers, but mostly letting Reina learn through her own trial and error.

Meanwhile, Aron was standing before a training dummy, his sword held at the ready as he channeled his mana into Body Reinforcement. A faint glow surrounded him, and Mio watched as his stance subtly shifted, his muscles tensing with the enhanced strength granted by the spell.

With a focused breath, Aron lunged forward, his movements faster and more fluid than before. His sword cut through the air, landing a powerful strike against the dummy with a resounding thud. He stepped back, adjusting his grip as he practiced a series of strikes, each swing more controlled and precise than the last.

Mio approached him, her voice calm and encouraging. “Good control, Aron. Focus on maintaining a steady flow of mana. Body Reinforcement is as much about control as it is about power.”

Aron nodded, taking her advice to heart as he continued his training. Each strike grew more confident, his movements becoming smoother as he adapted to the enhanced strength and speed. He seemed to find a rhythm, his concentration deepening with each swing.

Reina glanced over, a flicker of admiration in her gaze as she watched Aron’s progress. Her smile was both proud and determined as she returned to her own training, focusing now on Thunder Strike.

As Reina raised her staff, she closed her eyes for a brief moment, visualizing the spell’s energy as Mio had taught her. She felt the mana gather, crackling along her skin before she released it in a controlled arc. The bolt of lightning shot forward, striking a tree in the distance with a sharp crack. Reina’s face lit up with satisfaction as she watched the spell hit its mark.

But Mio wasn’t finished testing her. “Again, Reina. This time, try channeling a stronger charge, but keep the aim steady.”

Reina nodded, her expression serious as she focused. She felt the mana surge within her, the crackling energy building into a more intense arc. She aimed carefully, releasing the spell in a precise bolt that struck her target with even more power than before. The impact sent a small shockwave through the air, scattering a few leaves as the tree shook from the force.

The other adventurers at the training grounds turned to watch, a few murmurs of surprise and approval passing between them. Reina looked back at Mio, her cheeks flushed but her eyes shining with pride.

“That was amazing,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “I didn’t think I could channel that much energy.”

Mio gave her an approving smile. “With practice, you’ll be able to control even more. Keep working at it.”

Reina continued practicing, alternating between Thunder Strike and Aqua Shield, her movements growing more confident and fluid with each attempt. Mio could see her endurance improving, her focus sharper, as she dedicated herself fully to each spell.

Meanwhile, Aron was still refining his technique with Body Reinforcement. He had found a steady rhythm, his strikes against the dummy precise and powerful. Each swing was a testament to his determination, his desire to grow stronger without relying solely on magic. Mio watched him, noting the controlled power in his movements, the focus in his gaze.

As he finished a sequence, Aron looked over at Mio, his expression serious. “Do you think this will be enough? To keep up with Reina?”

Mio approached him, her gaze steady. “Aron, your strength lies in your dedication and your resilience. Don’t measure your progress against someone else’s path. Reina has her own abilities, and you have yours. Together, you’ll make a formidable team.”

He nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “I guess… I just want to be able to protect her, to be strong enough to stand by her side.”

“You already are,” Mio replied gently. “And with each day of training, you’re only getting stronger.”

Aron’s face softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Thanks, Mio. I’ll keep working on it.”

As the afternoon wore on, the trio continued their practice, the air around them charged with mana and determination. Mio felt a deep sense of pride watching her companions grow, each of them embracing their unique strengths and pushing their limits like a pair of burgeoning heroes. Reina’s control over her spells improved visibly, her Aqua Shield becoming more stable, her Thunder Strike more precise. Aron’s strikes grew faster, his movements sharper, as he learned to control his enhanced abilities with Body Reinforcement.

By the time they finished, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the training grounds. Aron and Reina looked exhausted but content, their faces flushed with both exertion and accomplishment.

Mio placed a hand on each of their shoulders, her expression filled with quiet pride. “You both did incredibly well. Remember this feeling, and carry it forward. You’re becoming stronger, not just in skill, but in spirit.”

Reina smiled, her voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mio. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Aron nodded, his own gratitude evident. “Yeah… we really owe you. I’ll keep working hard. We both will.”

They began the walk back to the inn, the air filled with a comfortable silence as they reflected on the day’s progress. Mio couldn’t help but feel a deep satisfaction—today had been a turning point, a step toward the unity and strength she hoped to build within their team.

As they reached the inn and prepared to part ways for the evening, Reina looked at Mio with a renewed determination. “I want to keep improving, to learn more and become even stronger. Whatever challenges come next… I want to be ready.”

Aron nodded in agreement, his gaze steady. “Same here. No matter what we face, we’ll be prepared.”

Mio smiled, her own resolve reflected in their eyes. “Then let’s keep moving forward, together.”

With that, they said their goodnights and went to their rooms, each of them carrying the day’s lessons with them. Mio however, had already began planning how to help them to become the heroes she could see them becoming.