Before Leonar floated the sacred tools Celestia had summoned: the Spear of Leonidas and Wukong’s Traveling Cloud.

The spear was… small. Far too small for something bearing the name of a legendary warrior. Its golden handle resembled a long knife more than a weapon of war, and its tip, though sharp, lacked the size or heft Leonar expected from a spear designed to pierce enemies in battle.

Leonar frowned and cautiously reached out, gripping the spear. It was lighter than he’d anticipated—almost weightless, as if he held nothing at all.

“How is this supposed to be a spear?” he asked, twirling it skeptically in his hand.

Celestia’s soft laugh echoed in his mind, her tone teasingly confident.

“Don’t underestimate it for its size. It’s swift and precise, able to pierce any foe before they even react. I suggest you treat it with the respect it deserves.”

Leonar snorted but held his tongue. He’d need to see the so-called “precision” in action before believing her.

His gaze then shifted to the other sacred tool. The cloud hovered a few feet above, its fluffy, golden form shimmering with an ethereal glow. It had no fixed shape, shifting subtly as though alive—a sight Leonar found… unsettling.

He eyed it warily.

“And… how the hell am I supposed to get on that?”

Celestia laughed again, this time more brightly.

“Oh, the Traveling Cloud is an intelligent entity. It’s not some magic carpet you just plop onto. But don’t worry—ask it nicely to lower itself, and it’ll comply.”

Leonar raised an eyebrow.

“Nicely?”

“Yes. Just ask. I’m sure it’ll cooperate.”

Scoffing, Leonar crossed his arms and glared at the cloud.

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“Hey, lower yourself a bit so I can get on.”

…

The cloud didn’t budge.

Leonar stared. Then, sighing, he stepped closer and reached out as if coaxing a skittish animal.

“C’mon, lower down.”

Nothing.

Leonar’s frown deepened. Maybe he needed to be firmer.

“I said, lower yourself!”

The cloud finally reacted… but not as he’d hoped. Instead of obeying, it rose higher, drifting away like a mischievous pet.

Leonar nearly stumbled in frustration.

“This damn thing’s insane!” he snapped, throwing his hands up.

Celestia burst into laughter, utterly unapologetic.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said, clearly not sorry at all. “You see, Wukong’s Cloud is… hesitant with newcomers. It doesn’t take orders from just anyone.”

Leonar gritted his teeth.

“More fucking fine print? Does everything you give me come with a hidden trap?”

“Some lessons are better learned through experience,” Celestia replied, her voice dripping with faux wisdom.

Leonar closed his eyes and exhaled sharply.

“From now on, explain every detail of what you offer before I accept it.”

“But where’s the fun in that? Heroes need growth through trial and—”

He cut her off with a dry laugh.

“Save the life lessons. Right now, I just want to leave this place, go home, and sleep for a week.”

Celestia sighed in his mind.

“But… if you leave now, you’ll miss the chance to hunt monsters and test your new skills.”

Leonar narrowed his eyes.

“Yeah, right. I’m sure the spear’s got some nasty surprise too. Don’t play me for a fool.”

“First of all, it’s called the Spear of Leonidas,” Celestia chided. “And second, relax. If you’re ever in real danger, I can take control of your body and get you to safety.”

Leonar tilted his head back, staring at the cave ceiling.

“God, how reassuring. I feel totally safe now.”

“You should,” Celestia said proudly.

Shaking his head, Leonar spun the spear in his hand. If the cloud wouldn’t cooperate, he might as well test the weapon.

“Fine, I’ll give the spear a shot, but…” He trailed off.

Celestia perked up.

“But what?”

Leonar sighed, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

“Truth is… I’ve never held a spear before. How the hell do you even use this thing?”

…

Silence.

For a moment, both Celestia and Leonar were speechless.

Celestia sounded genuinely stunned.

“…Is this a joke?”

Leonar shook his head.

“No.”

A longer pause followed.

Then Celestia’s voice returned, a mix of disbelief and resignation.

“Well… it seems I have much to teach you.”

Leonar shrugged, swinging the spear awkwardly.

“Guess so. But please tell me I don’t need another damn prayer just to learn this.”

Celestia chuckled.

“No, don’t worry. This’ll take practice.”

Leonar sighed in relief.

“Thank god…”

Celestia’s mental smile was audible.

“Literally.”

Leonar rolled his eyes and steadied his stance.

“Alright. Let’s get started.”