“I suppose he acts like one.” post revolution, the term wasn't used for anything other than insults, akin to calling someone a peasant in the olden days.

“It wouldn't be that big of a deal if it’s just that.” Withered grass spotted, they finally reached their destination. The withered tree turned into nothing but a stump, an addition to the scene would be a wooden table with all sorts of mock weaponries. “Never mind, come junior Ellia, run after me!”

“This reminds me of my mother a bit…” when she was younger, Ellia didn't have many playmates save for Ellie, though a suitable substitute would be her uncannily energetic mom.

She looked at the contents atop the long table, with approval she lifted something at random, only to use more force than expected.

“Are these weighted…?” Based on the type of the word used to craft the implements, the weight she felt wouldn't quite be possible.

“Well! They are enchanted… or rather cursed?” she seemed to struggle with the term until Ellia made an ‘it's okay’ face. “The wielder will feel them to have about the same weight as the real deals. Quite useful for beginners. Now, pick one!”

“There even is a shovel… What am I picking it for anyways… Should I go with what I'm familiar with or what looks cool…”

Swords came in various sorts, but she decided to pick one with a round handle, a length longer than a normal sword. It didn't have a hand guard, the blade was very slightly curved around the middle part, it seemed to be only single-edged, though she couldn't ascertain more as it's merely a wooden replica.

“Hm… Are you looking for Serinnian blades? It's that one.” The blade she pointed at have similar blade physique, though the handle wasn't as long, it features a ring at the end.

“I've never seen something like this before…”

“Sure, it's hard to use. You can use it with a shield or use freehand to perform some sick martial arts moves.”

“On a second thought… I want to try this if possible.”

“… What even is that…” as various weapons were stacked on each other, Estelle had to inch closer. “A halbert…? I’m no expert on this, but sure can give you a few pointers… Do you like your weapons long…?”

“… Eh?” she blushed slightly, looking at Estelle, though there didn't seem to be any sort of…. Questionable expression.

“I mean, I saw your debut video, pretty deft with the shovel if I may say so myself… You should win duels easily but real combat…? Hardly.”

“Debut video…? Oh…” the wolves from back then attack in a static almost as if turned based, the undead from yesterday were similar but at least they knew how to take advantage of numerical superiority.

“Well, fundamentally speaking, like every pokey stick, this one functions the same, try to point it at me” she took a few steps away from Ellia, she struggled to make a successful smooth transition, but the motions remained the same.

“I’ll refrain from the blade play lingo. Notice that the weight distribution might be a bit off due to the design, slide your hand, find the place you think most comfortable and remember that.”

After some adjustments, she managed. “I hope Ellie’s mentor is nice.”

“Good. Now try to thrust forward.”

The motion wasn’t by any means smooth, though Estelle seemed content. “Mm, decent form, how about try to hold it by one hand?” The big sister didn’t seem to have a problem now that she’s familiar with the weight, “Try to surprise poke! Slid your hand down the handle and launch it forward, you can use your armpit to help to stop it, perhaps crouching would help.”

And so, like a spring she extended the thrusting length, the thrust wouldn’t be powerful enough against a well armoured enemy, but enough to sufficiently gape a hole in a person’s face. After several more practices, she became somewhat more familiar with the motion and can pull it off smoothly.

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“Good, now let’s see how you fare in practice.” just then, she noticed that Estelle’s singular ring began to send out some sort of smoke, very much akin to the smog she witnessed prior, though they were even darker. The shapeless smog transformed into the silhouettes of two men, both armed with a short sword.

“Take three steps back, they will come to you at the same time, utilise your range well, they are not newbies~”

On the count of three, one rushed at her while the other maintained some distance, though the gap was closing.

“…There!” Ellia waited, the shadowy figure came in range, so she did as before, a surprise thrust forward… Though, the figure suddenly paused his movement, sword clashed with the blade of the halbert, throwing it alongside her arm to the side. She tried to pull the weapon back, but the lever of force acted against that, leaving her wide open for an attack.

When the figure’s blade touched Ellia, both disappeared.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve learnt something, make sure you’re the one doing that to the enemy instead. Go again.”

Same as before, two shadows emerged, this time Ellia successfully caught the blade, though she could not effectively counter before the second one reaches her.

“Again!”

.

.

.

.

An overhead slash came, caught by the hook of the halberd. With a twist combined with forward motion, she managed to get closer to the shadow before it could kick her. She rotated the end of the halberd and struck the shadow. The blow wasn’t serious, but it dissipated regardless.

Finally, after ten attempts, she managed to defeat the first shadow. As the second one approached, its initial swing was dodged by Ellia. She thrust forward, only to pierce through nothing but air.

“So tired…” she muttered, standing still and gripping the halberd with both hands, its tip facing her opponent.

Slowly, it inched closer, assuming somewhat of a low guard position.

“Here it comes.” she thrust forwarded, her halbert’ shaft caught by a shadowy sword. It glides down, reaching the hook when Ellia realised the goal of the motion. As if switching owner, the halbert moved to the side via the force of the shadow. It twisted its wrist, rotating the sword’s blade with a fluid motion, aiming to strike Ellia’s head.

Unlike before, she regained control of her weapon. With split seconds to react, she collapsed backward, pulling with all her might. The sharp end of the hook pierced through the shadow, vanquishing it instantly.

“Congratulations junior! Isn’t figuring out how to use the weapon on your fun?”

Estelle congratulated, somehow having a candy floss in hand, biting a big chunk of it before handing it to Ellia.

On the grass and panting heavily, she barely managed to secure a grip. Though as she was lying down, eating it didn't seem quite practical.

“Hm., time sure flies by when we're having fun… Why don't I let you have this?” she reached into her pocket, produced what seemed to be a small neckless with a single blue-ish stone. “Some wear it on their neck but putting it in your pocket works too, try pouring a little mana into it.”

As Ellia was on the ground, one hand holding the collapsed halbert whilst another cotton candy, Estelle decided to place it firmly on her chest. Though as it made contact, it can be activated instantly, faint light engulfed her, making her feel somewhat more invigorated. Though her tiredness had not disappeared, she tried pouring more mana into it, though the glow came, it didn't seem to do a thing.

“I take it you have never visited the institute of magic? You can find exclusive magical goods or even experimental ones up for purchase there.”

Slowly getting up, getting the first taste of the candy, she noticed it was strangely bland, as if it wasn’t made from pure sugar as one should expect. “I will definitely take a look… Thank you”

“Maybe there are useful things there, but I wouldn’t have any money to buy them anyway.

“Mhm, we have some time left, but since you look exhausted, how about we call it off early? You can take that halbert back, you’d definitely need some more practice to get fully acquainted with it.” She said, heading towards what was once a vigorous tree, rearranging the replica weapons on it.

At this point, Ellia had finished her cotton candy, though it would appear that the stick used to hold it was made of waffle, so she ate it too before rehydrating herself.

“Should I…” after looking at Estelle for a bit longer, she decided to finally spoke, “Thank you for today…”

“Hm?”

“I…” with a conflicted expression she continued, “Ever since I came here, I’ve been on edge, few tried to express goodwill for me and I just turned them all away… But-”

“I think I understand what you want to say.” she inched closer, patting Ellia once more, “I don’t know whom you would be referring to, but there’s some time to return kindness right?” the soft sensation of the glove and the slight heat from reached the big sister’s head, it was rather comforting. “But don’t completely lower your guard too, for that is the most foolish thing anyone can do here, got it?”