The training grounds stretched before them, a vast open space surrounded by towering stone pillars. The air was thick with tension as Mary and Lela stood opposite each other, their newly forged weapons in hand. Loosie sat on the sidelines, watching with wide-eyed anticipation.
"Alright," Mary said, rolling her shoulders. "We've got our weapons, now it's time to see what we can do with them."
Lela twirled Gáe Bolg in her hands, feeling the balance between the starsteel counterweight and the Heaven Crystal spearhead. "No holding back?" she asked, her lips curling into a small smirk.
Mary raised Saber of Mist, its blade shimmering with ethereal energy. "I wouldn't dream of it."
SkillProgressionBegins
Their training began with fundamental drills. Mary focused on Swordsmanship, refining her footwork and precision. Each strike of her blade sent ripples through the air, the mist-like energy lingering for a moment before fading. Lela worked on Spearmanship, learning to extend her reach and maximize the force of each thrust.
After hours of repetition, notifications appeared before them:
Swordsmanship Lv. 1 → Lv. 3 (Tier 1)
Spearmanship Lv. 1 → Lv. 3 (Tier 1)
Loosie clapped excitedly. "You're both getting stronger fast!"
But the training wasn't just about improving their skills—it was about mastering the power within them.
UnlockingNoblePhantasms
Mary took a deep breath, channeling energy into her sword. The blade glowed, mist swirling around it as she activated Mist Blade. The air distorted as three simultaneous slashes formed, crashing down on a training dummy from all angles. The wooden target barely had time to crack before it was obliterated.
Mist Blade – Noble Phantasm Unlocked
Lela watched, gripping Gáe Bolg tightly. "Alright, my turn." She focused, drawing upon the divine power within her spear. A crackle of energy surged through the weapon, arcs of golden lightning dancing along its length. With a swift motion, she hurled it forward—Angel Bolt erupted from the spearhead, a blinding streak of divine light striking the dummy dead center. A thunderous boom followed, leaving nothing but scorched ground.
Angel Bolt – Noble Phantasm Unlocked
Loosie gasped. "That was amazing!"
Sparring Session – Testing Their Limits
With their new skills unlocked, it was time to test them. Mary and Lela faced off, weapons raised.
Lela lunged first, Gáe Bolg a streak of silver as she aimed for Mary's midsection. Mary sidestepped, parrying with the flat of her blade before countering with a swift horizontal slash. Lela barely managed to block, the impact vibrating through her arms.
The battle escalated—Lela relied on speed and precision, using her spear's range to keep Mary at bay. But Mary, with her agility and relentless attacks, weaved through the strikes, closing the distance with each move.
For a moment, the fight seemed evenly matched—until Mary activated Mist Blade. Three simultaneous slashes trapped Lela in a prison of light, giving her no chance to evade.
Lela gritted her teeth. "Not yet!" With a surge of power, she unleashed Angel Bolt, the divine energy clashing against Mary's attack in a brilliant explosion of light and mist.
When the dust settled, both stood breathing heavily, their weapons still crackling with energy.
Loosie jumped up. "That was so cool! I thought you were gonna blow up the whole place!"
Mary exhaled, sheathing Saber of Mist. "Looks like we've still got a ways to go."
Lela nodded. "Yeah… but we're getting stronger."
As the sun set over the training grounds, they knew this was just the beginning. Their journey had only just begun—but they were ready for whatever lay ahead.
SkillProgressionSummary
Mary Innocent (Saber – Ancient Vampire)
Swordsmanship → Lv. 3 (Tier 1)
Mist Blade – Noble Phantasm Unlocked
Lela Innocent (Lancer – Elder Vampire)
Spearmanship → Lv. 3 (Tier 1)
Angel Bolt – Noble Phantasm Unlocked