The training grounds of the Aegis Guild’s mountain outpost stretched out before Serena, a place alive with activity and bustling with vanguards honing their skills. She stood near the edge of the grounds, her sharp eyes watching as warriors sparred, weapons clashing and magic crackling in the air. Despite the camaraderie and sense of purpose all around her, Serena couldn’t help but feel a little out of place.

Katsuo always seemed to dive into situations headfirst, making friends and turning everything into a competition. Serena wasn’t like that. She was more reserved, more focused on the task at hand. And making friends? That had never been her strong suit.

"I swear Katsuo makes everything a competition," Serena muttered to herself, watching as her companion sparred with a group of vanguards on the eastern side of the training grounds. "But I have no idea how to make friends in the first place..."

As she stood there, unsure of where to start, a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. "Hey, are you lost or something?"

Serena blinked, surprised, and turned to see a girl with brown hair tied back in a ponytail standing beside her, a warm smile on her face.

"Oh… no, just... looking around," Serena stammered, taken aback by the sudden approach.

The girl laughed lightly, the sound carrying an infectious energy. "You looked like you were deep in thought. I’m Natasha, by the way." She extended a hand.

Serena hesitated for a moment, then shook her hand, trying to ease the awkwardness. "I’m Serena. Nice to meet you."

Natasha’s smile widened. "Nice to meet you too! You’re new here, right? I’ve seen a lot of vanguards come through these grounds, and I’ve got a pretty good memory."

"Yeah, I’m new," Serena replied, feeling a little more at ease. There was something about Natasha’s friendly demeanor that made it hard to stay closed off.

"Well, in that case, how about I show you around? It’s easy to get lost in a place this big." Natasha gestured toward the sprawling training grounds, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Serena considered it for a moment before nodding. "Sure. I’d appreciate that."

With that, the two set off across the training grounds. Natasha took the lead, pointing out different areas where vanguards were training in various forms of combat. There was a section for weapon sparring, another for hand-to-hand combat, and a third for magic users practicing their spells. The sounds of training filled the air—metal clashing, shouts of determination, and the occasional burst of magical energy.

"You’ve got the sparring arenas over there," Natasha said, nodding toward a group of vanguards practicing with swords and shields. "It’s always packed, so if you’re looking to test your skills, that’s the place to be."

Serena glanced over, watching as a pair of vanguards clashed swords, their movements quick and precise. "Looks intense."

"It is. But that’s the whole point, right?" Natasha laughed. "It’s about pushing yourself, seeing what you’re made of. You can’t get better if you don’t test your limits."

Serena nodded, understanding the sentiment. She had always been driven to improve herself, but she had never thought of training as something to enjoy. For her, it was always about necessity—about getting stronger so she could fight, protect, and survive. But as she walked alongside Natasha, she could see that there was more to it than that. There was a sense of camaraderie here, a bond between the vanguards that went beyond just training.

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"So, what brought you to the Aegis Guild?" Natasha asked, glancing at Serena with curiosity.

Serena hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to share. "I’m here to get stronger," she said simply.

Natasha didn’t push for more, sensing that Serena wasn’t the type to open up easily. Instead, she offered her own story. "I came here a few years ago. I was kind of a mess back then—didn’t know where I was going or what I wanted to do. But the people here helped me find my way. Training here has been amazing. I’ve made some of my best friends on these grounds."

Serena looked at Natasha, surprised by how candid she was. There was a vulnerability in her words, but also a strength that came from overcoming something difficult.

"Sounds like you’ve come a long way," Serena said, her tone softening.

Natasha smiled, her eyes warm. "Yeah, I guess I have. And you will too. It just takes time."

As they continued walking, Natasha introduced Serena to a few other vanguards training nearby. Serena found herself feeling more comfortable as she interacted with the others, though she still maintained her usual reserved demeanor. Natasha’s easygoing nature made it easier for her to open up, and she appreciated the sense of acceptance she felt from the group.

They eventually came to a small training area tucked away near the edge of the grounds, where the forest began to encroach on the clearing. It was quieter here, the noise of the main training grounds fading into the background. A few vanguards were practicing archery, their arrows whistling through the air and hitting targets with precise accuracy.

"This is my favorite spot," Natasha said, leaning against a tree. "It’s peaceful, and you can hear the sounds of the forest. Helps me clear my head."

Serena looked around, taking in the calmness of the area. The rustling of the leaves in the wind, the distant call of birds, and the soft crunch of boots on the dirt—it was a stark contrast to the intensity of the training grounds.

"It’s nice," Serena admitted, her voice quieter.

Natasha grinned. "I knew you’d like it."

The two of them spent the next few hours chatting and training together. Natasha was skilled with her daggers, her movements quick and precise as she demonstrated her techniques. Serena, impressed by her agility, tried out a few of Natasha’s moves, adding them to her own repertoire with her tonfas. They sparred lightly, trading blows and laughing as they practiced.

As the day wore on, the two of them grew closer, their bond forming naturally through shared experience. For the first time in a long while, Serena felt like she had found a friend—someone who understood her, even without needing to say much.

At one point, as they sat down for a break, Natasha turned to Serena with a curious expression. "So, tell me—what’s it like traveling with Katsuo?"

Serena rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "He’s... competitive. Always trying to prove something."

Natasha laughed. "Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with him."

"That’s an understatement," Serena muttered. "But he’s not bad. He’s a good fighter, and he’s got a strong sense of justice."

Natasha leaned back against the tree, her gaze thoughtful. "It must be nice, though. Traveling with someone like that. I’ve always been on my own when I go on missions."

Serena considered that for a moment, realizing that she hadn’t really thought about it that way before. "Yeah, I guess it is nice. It’s easier when you’re not alone."

Natasha smiled softly. "Exactly."

The rest of the week passed quickly, with Serena and Natasha growing closer through training and sparring. They spent their days exploring the training grounds, trying out different exercises, and sharing stories about their experiences as vanguards. Serena found herself opening up more than she had expected, and Natasha’s easygoing nature made it all the more enjoyable.

By the end of the week, the two of them stood together on the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast forest below. The sun was setting, casting the sky in hues of orange and pink, and the peacefulness of the moment washed over them.

"I never thought I’d enjoy a place like this," Serena admitted, her voice quiet.

Natasha smiled, her eyes on the horizon. "It’s more than just a place. It’s the people you meet along the way. They make the experience what it is."

Serena nodded, feeling a sense of calm that she hadn’t felt in a long time. "You’re right. I’ve met some good people here."

They stood in silence for a while, watching as the sun dipped below the mountains. For Serena, this was more than just training—it was a chance to grow, to find strength in friendship, and to realize that she didn’t have to walk her path alone.

As the last light of the sun disappeared, Natasha glanced at Serena with a grin. "So, ready for another spar tomorrow?"

Serena smirked. "Only if you’re ready to lose."

Natasha laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "We’ll see about that."

They made their way back to the cabin, their bond stronger than ever, and for the first time in a long while, Serena felt at peace.