They continued the fight again. The two of them were now exchanging blows in an intense hand-to-hand fight. Even though Zaefal was only using about twenty percent of his ability and suppressing all his magic energy, Fyar still found it very difficult. Fyar's speed in reading movements and his combat intelligence were truly above average.
Fyar kept moving, avoiding Zaefal's powerful punches with nimble footwork. He used every small opening to land quick jabs to Zaefal's body, trying to drain his opponent's stamina. On the other side, Zaefal kept pressing with his superior strength and speed, forcing Fyar to constantly defend and look for an opportunity to counterattack. The battle became a contest of endurance between raw power and precise technique.
After two hours had passed, the two of them finally ended their training and decided to take a rest. Their breaths were ragged as they walked over to Rasie and Illya, who were chatting leisurely near the river, under the shade of the trees with beautiful light-blue leaves.
Illya saw them approaching, their faces covered in sweat and fatigue. She smiled gently and greeted them. "Good work, you two~."
She then pointed to a few cooked fish. "I saved some fish for you to eat, and also some drinking water." Illya handed two water bottles to them.
Zaefal nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Illya." He took the bottle and immediately drank from it, then sat down leaning against a tree and let out a long sigh.
"Thank you, Illya," said Fyar. He took his water bottle, sat on the grass, and gulped the water down to quench the thirst that was burning his throat.
Unlike Zaefal who still looked quite vigorous, Fyar was completely exhausted. His energy felt almost depleted. This was the hardest and most tiring training he had ever undergone. Right now, his only wish was to return to the inn, take a shower, and sleep.
"Are you two finished?" Rasie asked, looking at them both.
"We're just resting," Zaefal answered.
"No, I'm done," Fyar interjected, shaking his head.
"Huh? You only fought for two hours. Is your stamina really that weak?" Rasie looked at Fyar with disappointment in her eyes. After seeing Fyar's unique swordsmanship and fighting style, she had been eager to test her skills and fight with him. She had been excited just thinking about it, but seeing Fyar give up so easily crushed her expectations.
"I'm tired. It's useless to continue training if it won't be at my best." Fyar was too tired to retort to Rasie's jab. His focus right now was just on eating, going home, showering, and sleeping.
"Come on, you're not going to train with me? You'll get stronger if you push yourself to your body's limit!!," Rasie coaxed, still trying to convince Fyar.
Fyar chuckled softly. He stood up, then struck a strange pose they had never seen before, and said in a deliberately deep voice, "I refuse!!!"
What the heck is with that weird pose? What's wrong with him? Rasie wondered to herself, confused.
"Don't force him," Zaefal interjected. He then turned his gaze to Rasie. "Just train with me."
"Eh, but," Rasie complained.
"It's pointless to force him, Rasie. There's always tomorrow," Zaefal said.
"Alright," Rasie finally replied, appearing to give up.
This woman actually listens to what Zaefal says. She's not fighting or arguing with him. Could it be...? Various conspiracy theories popped into Fyar's mind as he observed Rasie's attitude toward Zaefal.
"It's not good to force people, Rasie~," Illya chimed in, defending Fyar.
Thank you, Illya! You truly are perfect, Fyar praised in his heart. Illya, who saw him, then smiled a little.
Rasie could only sigh in resignation.
Fyar then began to eat the fish in front of him. He was surprised because it tasted much better and sweeter than the fish he ate at the inn.
"Is it good mm~?" Illya asked Fyar gently.
Fyar nodded enthusiastically and gave Illya a thumbs up.
"I'm glad," Illya replied, smiling happily at Fyar's praise.
"After this rather short training session, I can conclude that I don't need to teach you anything, Fyar," Zaefal said, drawing Fyar's attention away from his food. He then added, "Your swordsmanship and your fighting style are strange. But you were able to withstand my attacks and even wound me. I guess your skills are already above average."
Fyar swallowed his food before replying. "That's because you were holding back. If you were serious, I probably would have lost in a few minutes."
Zaefal shook his head. "No. Considering the level difference between us, what you did was already astonishing. I can't imagine what you'd be capable of if your magic wasn't sealed."
"I was a little surprised too," Rasie commented, unable to hide her admiration. "I imagined you would have been knocked down and begging for mercy from Zaefal in the first few minutes."
It's not sealed, I just don't have any, Fyar thought to himself. He felt a little impressed with his own lying skills. They all believed so strongly that his power was merely sealed. Huh, experience truly doesn't lie, Fyar thought, feeling a bit proud.