The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Mary and Lela stood side by side, sweat dripping from their brows. Their weapons hummed with power, their bodies aching from the relentless drills. Yet, they were far from finished.
Loosie leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed, watching them with a mischievous grin. "You've both improved, but you're still too predictable."
Mary rolled her shoulders, adjusting her grip on Saber of Mist. "Then let's fix that."
Lela twirled Gáe Bolg before resting it against her shoulder. "Yeah? What do you have in mind?"
Loosie's grin widened. "A real fight."
TheDuelBegins
Mary and Lela stepped into the center of the training grounds, facing each other. The air between them grew tense, crackling with the energy of their respective Noble Phantasms.
Loosie raised a hand. "Rules are simple—fight until one of you is down or yields. No holding back."
The moment her hand dropped, Lela moved.
She lunged forward with Gáe Bolg, its starsteel shaft a blur as it thrust toward Mary's chest. But Mary was faster. She sidestepped, her agility honed from hours of practice, and brought Saber of Mist down in a sweeping arc.
Lela barely managed to deflect the blow, her spear vibrating from the force of the impact. She grit her teeth. She's fast…
Mary pressed the attack. Her footwork was precise, her blade an extension of her will. She aimed for weak points in Lela's defense, forcing her sister to retreat step by step.
Lela narrowed her eyes. I can't keep backing up…
She planted her foot and spun, swinging Gáe Bolg in a wide arc. The movement forced Mary to leap back, creating distance between them.
"Not bad," Mary admitted. "But can you handle this?"
She activated Mist Blade.
Three simultaneous slashes cut through the air, forming an inescapable prison of strikes. Lela's eyes widened as the mist-like energy surrounded her.
No time to dodge…
Electricity surged through Gáe Bolg. She activated Angel Bolt.
A divine lightning bolt erupted from the spear's tip, colliding with the incoming slashes. The impact sent a shockwave across the field, kicking up dust and forcing both sisters apart.
As the dust settled, they locked eyes. Neither had landed a decisive blow, but both had tested their limits.
Loosie clapped, breaking the tension. "Now that's what I'm talking about! You're starting to fight like real warriors."
Mary smirked. "Still think I'm predictable?"
Lela exhaled, lowering her spear. "Not anymore."
UnlockingPotential
After the duel, Loosie led them to a shaded area to recover. "You're both strong, but there's more you can do. Your Noble Phantasms are powerful, but they're still raw."
Mary wiped sweat from her forehead. "So, what's next?"
Loosie's grin returned. "We refine them. You need to learn how to use your abilities without wasting energy. That means control, precision… and mastering new techniques."
Lela raised an eyebrow. "New techniques?"
Loosie nodded. "You both have the potential to develop unique moves beyond just your Noble Phantasms. Your abilities are tied to your understanding of yourselves—so let's push that further."
Mary and Lela exchanged glances.
A new challenge awaited.