endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 65

In the days to follow, Vahn had increased his training intensity. He was now up to the sixth level on the weighted bamboo course which Tsubaki equated to being able to react to a veteran Level 3's attacks. Since he had been unable to evade the attack of the previous Level 2 adventurer party, Vahn wanted to greatly enhance his mobility. At this point, his [Featherfoot] ability had increased from E to D, and Vahn knew it wouldn't be long before the skill increased again.

Lili was also making an increased effort and started a strange practice with Tsubaki that had her put weights on her legs and walk on her hands through an obstacle course. Every time she arrived at a post, she was required to kick ten times before she was allowed to continue. After Vahn asked why she had Lili perform such a strange training, Tsubaki told Vahn it was to help increase her omnidirectional movement abilities and core strength.

Since Lili had a small stature, her center of gravity was low to the ground which allowed her to use many unorthodox combat styles. As Lili had a unique skill like [Artel*Assist], it was actually much easier to condition her body than normal people. While other people had to struggle and adapt to increased weights, Lili was able to actually improve her stats instead. As long as she continued increasing the intensity, Lili would be able to slowly convert her entire body into a weapon.

It wasn't long after this strange training started that Tsubaki had Lili and Vahn begin sparring with each other. Lili was hesitant at first but quickly threw her inhibitions aside before charging Vahn. Unlike their previous spars a month ago, Lili now had greater agility and used her flexible body to attack Vahn from several tricky angles. Instead of the awkward stances and weak strikes used in the past, now Lili used her entire body to maneuver and attack.

As Vahn's parameters were much higher, he was able to easily deal with the attacks. However, he was caught off guard in one instance where Lili had actually vaulted off her hand to kick towards his face. Vahn caught the leg, but Lili twisted her body and used her second leg to nail Vahn directly in the chest. Vahn released the captured leg, and Lili used the rebounding force of her attack to somersault back to her feet.

Vahn was so surprised by the acrobatic movement that he was nearly unable to receive the follow-up attacks. He began to laugh and enjoy the fight while Tsubaki, who was spectating from the side nodded in approval. Her training with Lili not only increased her versatility but also helped polish Vahn's skills in dealing with unorthodox attacks. It also allowed him to practice controlling his strength, which Vahn seemed to struggle with when under pressure.

The spar continued for twenty minutes before Tsubaki stopped them. Lili was gasping for air, but she still had a smile on her face for being able to perform much better than she expected. This was her first time sparring with Vahn since their training began, and she was very satisfied to see her own improvements.

Vahn was also happy and had been enjoying the fight since her initial acrobatic display. He approached and infused energy into his hand and placed it on Lili's back. Activating his [Hands of Nirvana], he was able to help ease her breathing difficulties. When he was finished, he playfully ruffled her hair before sitting off to the side and taking a break.

This was the first time Lili had seen Vahn act so happily, and she was experiencing a mixture of excitement and bashfulness after Vahn used his skill to ease her fatigued state. Tsubaki started laughing from the side before teasing the two for their interaction. "You two are almost like a brother and sister! How adorable~!"

Vahn smiled, but Lili seemed to take damage after hearing the words. She kept muttering 'brother' and 'sister' under her breath for the entire duration of the break. Before the break ended, however, a guest had arrived. It was Miach, and he had been accompanied by Naaza who was dressed in casual attire consisting of a beige shirt, light red shawl, and a green pleated skirt accented by white stocks and tan boots.