A trial of combat

Naturally, when you go gather the armor from the forge, Sarah and Alex are curious as to what you’re up to. When you explain that you’ll be sparring with Ferra to test the capabilities of the Armor of Desire, they immediately drop what they’re doing to join you. Once you’re armored up, Alex darts off to the hospital to get Cassie, and the energetic duo meets up with you as you head into the barracks.

When you head into the training area, you find Ferra there with Victor, giving lessons to some of the greener members of the militia. As the four of you walk in, the panther man gives you a nod.

“Here to train? Or are we finally going to have that rematch you promised me?”

You laugh. “Not today. I don’t think it would be very fair while I’m wearing this.”

You pat the breastplate of the armor, and Victor chuckles. “Good point. So what’s up?”

You nod to Ferra. “I’m going to steal her for a bit. I want to test the armor’s powers. Specifically, I want to see how I can match up against her combat prowess.”

Yeah, sure. Not just trying to show off?

Ferra looks at you. “Of course, master. Am I to assume you want me to go full speed?”

You nod. “Yeah. Supposedly I can make use of Lilith’s stored energy for strength and speed. I figured you were the best test I can get. And as a bonus, you probably won’t kill me.”

Ferra tilts her head slightly. “You know I would never hurt you, master. But I agree, the test is a good plan.”

Finally, a chance to show what I can do. I was getting tired of being a showpiece.

You chuckle at Lilith’s continuing snark, as everyone clears a space for the duel. Ferra shifts herself, changing to a dulled variant of her usual blade arms. Everyone seems excited to watch this, especially the people who hadn’t seen either of you in action yet. You pick up a practice sword from a nearby rack, taking a few test swings to get a feel for it. Ferra, meanwhile, simply stands in the middle of the cleared circle, watching you warily.

Be warned, Nicholas, this can be a bit disorienting the first time. If you want, you could just give me control…

You shake your head. Even if you thought she was genuinely trying to help, you would rather have control over your own actions. You feel a warmth flooding your limbs, and you drop into a fighting stance. Ferra does so as well, and the two of you circle each other.