“I'm sorry Nickie. You have to. You can't just go adventuring in this world willy-nilly. You need to get some levels if you're going to make it.” Serah says, trying to look stern.

“But I don't want to…” Nickie moans like a spoiled child. “Besides, why can't you just do all the fighting? I'll play the stay-at-home wife who helps you heal from both the pain in your body and the pain in your heart.” Nickie says as she gives Serah a suggestive look and a smile.

“Enough of that! It's time for business!” Serah says, stopping the moment before it got out of hand. “And I know for a fact that I taught you the basics of swordsmanship!” Serah says as she crosses her arms.

“But I only went along with that to get close to you!” Nickie moans, still reluctant.

“Well, it worked. And now you’re stuck with me. So hurry up and put on your armor. We’re going hunting tonight.” Serah says with a smile.

Nickie lets out a sigh and covers her face before letting go and accepting her fate. “Yes, ma’am.” She says, still reluctant.

…

…

“Yeah, just jump in and lunge your sword forwards! Let your instincts take control!” Serah yells from the side.

“But I don’t trust my instinct!” Nickie moans, on the verge of tears.

“Just hurry up and do it! If you succeed I’ll let you have your favorite meal tonight.” Serah says enticingly.

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Nickie gulps, her gaze lowering to Serah’s legs, following them up till they connected in that perfect… “Ahumm… Fine! I’ll do it!” Nickie says with determination before jumping forwards into the clearing.

The average-sized boar turns around, surprised, but Nickie gave it no more time to think. She quickly lunges her sword forward towards its neck.

The boar lets out a squeal and quickly tries to get away, but the sword still manages to cut into its side.

Nickie doesn’t stop and slashes down again.

The boar, enraged, immediately charges forward, dodging the slash as it jumps and tries to gouge its tusks into Nickie’s stomach.

“Ahh!” Nickie exclaims as she’s knocked back, her armor blocking most of the damage.

“No time to whine! You’re still in the fight! Game face!” Serah yells from the side.

“Game face!” Nickie yells as she lets out a battle cry and catches the boar while its still recovering from its attack attempt.

Nickie’s sword slashes into the boar’s face, causing it to let out a loud squeal, and, stimulated from her battle cry, Nickie continues to slash out, until, the boar was no longer able to move.

Nickie lets out ragged breaths, exhausted from the struggle, as she stands over her kill.

Serah walks over and smiles. “Good job! Did you manage to level up?” She asks, curious.

“Yeah… I… Leveled up…” Nickie says through heavy breaths.

“Alright! Awesome! How many skill points did you get?” Serah asks, a little excited.

“I got… Two…” Nickie continues to say before her breath slowly evens out.

“Two!? That’s highway robbery! They should at least given you three!” Serah exclaims, a little angry for Nickie. “What about your skill list? How long is it? Is swordsmanship on it?” Serah asks, hoping there was at least some good stuff on her skill list.

“Just a moment.” Nickie says before she takes a deep breath and relaxes, before looking through her list. “Yeah, swordsmanship is on there. But there’s also a bunch of healing stuff. Some other magic stuff. Oh, and potion-making. That would be fun.” Nickie says as she goes through her list.

Serah’s eyes widen before she lets out a loud laugh and grabs Nickie to pull her into a rough hug.

“What are you doing!?” Nickie exclaims, caught a little off-guard.

“Oh, baby, my sweet little Nickie! My lucky star! Do you know how rare healers are? So many people dream of becoming healers, but no one ever has the talent. But you, baby, you’re one in a million.” Serah says as she grabs onto Nickie’s face and gazes lovingly into her eyes.

Nickie lets out a blush. “Oh, stop.” She says, somewhat embarrassed before a thought crosses her mind. “So this probably means the price of my services has gone up, doesn’t it?” Nickie says with a mischievous grin. If I don’t milk this for all its worth, then my name isn’t Nickie! She exclaims to herself.

Serah lets out a bitter smile. “Well, yes. I guess it does.” Serah says with a sigh, in defeat.