"Now then, I'm sure all of you have already been briefed. For the coming weeks, we'll be spending our time outside to train all of you," Miss Shredica said.
Her voice was calm, steady, and completely devoid of hesitation. She stood there with her usual composed expression, posture straight, hands relaxed at her sides—as if she were merely announcing a schedule change rather than sending us into a potentially lethal environment. She had been assigned to accompany us on this expedition, not only to guide us but also to intervene if things went south.
Honestly, having her with us eased something deep in my chest.
I trusted her strength. No—I believed in it. She wasn't just strong in the way knights were strong, or even the way heroes were strong. There was something different about her and that something was heavier. Even now, no matter how much I trained, no matter how many times I tried, I still hadn't beaten her once.
That fact alone said everything.
