What's more, Alise's current stats had already surpassed both Kaguya and Ryuu.
Gradually, she began to handle their attacks with increasing composure, her defense growing more effortless as time went on.
Ryuu's strike was deflected, but she showed no signs of discouragement. Instead, she smoothly followed the force of the block, twisting her upper body sharply and stomping down hard.
In an instant, her whole form spun like a high-speed top, and the wooden sword in her hand sliced toward Alise's waist with such blistering speed that it became difficult to track.
Alise, who was in the midst of blocking Kaguya's strike, reacted in a flash. She pressed forward, crossing the wooden swords expertly into a forked pattern to catch Ryuu's incoming slash with pinpoint precision.
Both Kaguya and Ryuu possessed excellent swordsmanship among the members of the Familia and Kaguya was even ranked among the best in technical mastery.
But when pitted against Alise, who had both superior stats and combat experience, their techniques still fell slightly short.
With a forceful motion, Alise shoved both wooden swords aside.
Without pause, the trio resumed their intense bout, wooden swords clashing in rapid succession. The crisp bang bang bang of wood against wood echoed across the wide training grounds.
Their figures flickered through the space like swift blurs of motion—three shadows weaving, dashing, and crossing paths at high speed.
After a short exchange, Kaguya and Ryuu exchanged a glance. As if reading each other's thoughts, they reached a silent understanding and instantly adjusted their strategy.
Kaguya, the more powerful of the two, would engage Alise head-on with aggressive strikes, while Ryuu, the faster one, would exploit openings and strike from the flanks.
Bang, bang, bang—!
A flurry of sharp clashes erupted as Kaguya used her refined technique to meet Alise's relentless offense, which came down like a raging tempest.
But before long, a burning sensation crept into Kaguya's wrists. The difference in pure physical strength was becoming clear.
At the same time, Ryuu darted in and out of Alise's reach, biding her time, her aquamarine eyes sharply locked onto the red-haired captain's movements.
The frequent exchanges between Alise and Kaguya finally caused a lapse in Alise's form—just a flicker, but enough.
A clear opening appeared on her right side.
"...Now!" A spark of clarity flashed through Ryuu's mind.
With a stomp of her foot, she lunged forward, eyes flashing with determination. Her wooden sword shot forward like a bolt of lightning, aiming directly for Alise's exposed neck.
"Okay, you can stop now."
Lyra's calm voice rang out at the perfect moment, cutting through the chaos and stilling the entire training field.
Ryuu froze mid-motion, her breathing heavy. The tip of her wooden sword hovered just short of Alise's neck.
Alise and Kaguya also withdrew their weapons, stepping back from the mock battle.
As the sparring session came to an end, Alise let out a breath and slumped her shoulders, a look of dismay on her face.
"Hah... I actually lost!?"
She grumbled, clearly vexed. "Is this what Level 4 feels like? I used to be able to handle one of you, but now it takes both Kaguya and Ryuu just to hold me back."
Kaguya was also breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling rapidly, sweat trickling down her flushed cheeks and soaking into her frizzy hair. Though she looked a bit worn out, a radiant smile lit up her face.
Feeling the pressure of facing a newly minted Level 4 made her heart race with anticipation—what heights could she reach once she crossed that threshold herself?
But more than anything, she was genuinely glad to see that Alise had grown stronger.
"That's right. And we didn't even let Alise use her skills." Ryuu added seriously, trying to steady her own excited heartbeat from the intense match. "If we had, the gap would've been even wider."
She analyzed calmly, her tone laced with awe. The strength Alise now wielded after leveling up was a different league—a true qualitative leap.
Just then, Akira and Astraea approached side by side, one holding a towel, the other carrying a cup of water.
Akira's voice was gentle, filled with quiet concern. "Good work. Take a break and wipe off your sweat."
He extended the towels toward them while Astraea followed up with a warm smile, offering the water with soft, caring eyes.
"Thank you." Kaguya and Ryuu accepted them politely, their voices tinged with weariness but also gratitude.
On the other hand, Alise, without a shred of hesitation, tossed aside her wooden sword and threw herself against Akira's chest like a spoiled child.
"Waaah... What should I do, Akira!? I leveled up to Level 4, and I still couldn't beat them. Was my level up all for nothing!?"
"Ugh! You're all sweaty! Don't wipe your gross face on my clothes, you stupid captain."
Akira struggled, trying to push her away, his expression one of exaggerated disgust but his eyes couldn't hide the gentle fondness behind them.
Unbothered, Alise grinned mischievously and continued clinging to him. "I'm not sweating! Feel for yourself if you don't believe me."
She grabbed Akira's hand and pressed it against her cheek with impish glee.
"Ahhh! I'm going to explode!!" Kaguya's face twisted with irritation, a vein bulging visibly as she watched the shameless display. Her clenched fists trembled within her sleeves, as if she was ready to pummel someone.
"Honestly… Even I feel a little mad hearing that." Ryuu muttered beside her, the corner of her lips twitching in suppressed annoyance.
The other Familia members watching nearby couldn't contain themselves any longer and burst into laughter.
"Well, that's our Alise for you." Maryuu giggled, delicately covering her mouth as her eyes curved in amusement.
"If the captain's still energetic, then it's our turn next!" Iska called out excitedly, waving her arms. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager for a chance to challenge the newly ascended Level 4.
Alise immediately pulled away from Akira and turned to face her new opponent, planting her fists on her hips with a confident grin.
"Heh. Bring it on! I'll teach you plenty, so prepare yourself!"