A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 13- The Training Arena

The training arena looms before me, a vast and intricate maze that surpasses my wildest imagination. It is unlike anything I have ever seen in my time, a true testament of this era. My eyes widen in amazement as I trail behind Celestia, taking in the sight of the challenging devices that stand before us. Their razor-sharp edges and ceaseless motion send a shiver down my spine, but I find relief in the fact that we are the sole occupants of the arena at this moment. At least no one will see me get my ass kicked.

"My grandfather constructed this arena in his youth, with the purpose of forging unbeatable Lakespirian Warriors," Celestia reveals. "My brother and I were forced to conquer the entire course before we even reached the age of thirteen."

A gasp escapes my lips. "You could have lost your lives," I exclaim, unable to fathom why their grandfather would do such a thing.

Celestia chuckles lightly, her laughter carrying a touch of melancholy. "Indeed, many perish within these walls. Only the strongest can endure in this place. Fortunately, I am not my grandfather, Lady Kyla. We shall commence with swords and spears, before venturing into the course."

A wave of relief washes over me, grateful that I won't be subjected to the hazards of the course just yet. My body still bears the traces of my recent pregnancy, rendering me out of shape and vulnerable. She places a sword in my hand, an instrument I have been taught to wield by my father during my upbringing. However, as I grip its hilt, a sense of unfamiliarity settles within me.

Celestia, a skilled warrior in her own right, takes on the role of instructor, prepared to guide me through the art of swordsmanship. As we stand facing each other, the contrast between our abilities is evident. Her stance exudes confidence, every movement precise and calculated, while I struggle to find my footing, the sword feeling clumsy in my grip.

"Watch closely," she advises, her voice carrying a hint of encouragement. "Focus on your footwork, maintain a firm grip, and let your instincts guide your strikes."

I nod, attempting to mimic her posture as best I can. With a flick of her wrist, Celestia launches into a series of fluid movements, her sword slicing through the air with effortless grace. It is a mesmerizing display of skill, each strike executed with impeccable precision.

In contrast, my attempts are uncoordinated. I stumble over my footwork, my strikes lacking the finesse I witness in Celestia's every motion. I can feel the frustration building within me as my sword clashes against hers, each clash serving as a reminder of the vast divide between us.

"I am horrible at this," I tell her in frustration.

Celestia, however, remains patient throughout, her eyes filled with understanding. She easily avoids my attacks, her movements seamless and swift. With every clash, her sword finds an opening, delivering calculated blows that leave me off-balance.

We engage in countless rounds, my sword meeting hers time and time again. I stumble, I fall, but with each setback, I learn. Gradually, my strikes become less clumsy, and my footwork more fluent. Celestia recognizes my progress and adjusts her pace, challenging me to rise to the occasion.

As the session draws to a close, she clads her sword, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. "You have improved," she comments, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "Your determination is admirable. With time and practice, you will surpass even my expectations."

"I certainly hope so. It's not just about defending myself, but I also want to be the one to kill my husband," I express, returning the sword to her.

"Former husband," she corrects me firmly. "He hasn't been born yet, and you wouldn't want to consider such a despicable piece of shit as your husband anyway."