I Had to Wait Ten Chapters for a Fight Scene?

The training arena buzzed with the hum of automated dummy constructs, their joints whirring as they moved around the party. Trainer Harris stood on the control platform to the side of the arena, directing the dummies in a pattern designed to trip up the team.

Ethan swore as a dummies sword smashed into the shield he was carrying. “Alice!” He shouted as the dummy moved past him and into her blind spot. Penny’s Shadow Minion was there, tackling into the dummy, throwing it off course just enough for Alice to dodge.

Penny cried out and Ethan turned towards her to see her kneeling, with a dummy backing off.

“You can’t leave yourself open like that just to save someone else!” Trainer Harris yelled at Penny, signaling the end of the training round. She stood up, rubbing her thigh where she had taken the blow.

Ethan walked over to Penny, placing a hand on her shoulder to heal the wound. “You’re almost out of essence.”

“Think you have enough to cover me for another round?” Penny asked, still rubbing the phantom pain where the dummy had hit her.

“One more, at least.” Ethan nodded to her. He spun to look at Trainer Harris and yelled out. “I have enough essence for one more round, and then we’ll be spent!”

“Then you’ll have to fight without essence! Best not take another hit!” Harris shouted back.

The group shared a look with each other before getting back into position, knowing full well that Harris meant exactly what he said. A trio of fresh dummies came out, and as Harris signaled the start of another round, they came forward in yet another new formation.

Penny began with summoning her Boosted Shadow Minion. She sent it ahead, Ethan dropping the Boost after her summoning as they had practiced. Alice moved left, intending to intercept another of the dummies.

She met the blow from the dummy on her small round shield, redirecting the blow, reaching out with her rapier in reply. The dummy dodged her attack and she swore silently as missed. She parried the next strike, moving past its guard and touching the edge of her shield against its arm. A loud crack sounded out as she channeled a Shock through the shield and into the dummy.

“Alice, right!” Shouted Ethan.

She felt the telltale signs of Penny’s Shroud falling around her, blinding their enemies while leaving her own vision unimpeded. She stepped to the side, narrowly moving past a blow meant for her from the third dummy. The dummy spun, trying to strike her through the darkness. She struck the wrist of the dummy with the tip of her blade, sending a Shock into it.

Ethan slammed into the first dummy a moment later, leading with his shield. Alice quickly followed up, making use of his opening to send a second Shock into the first dummy, incapacitating it. The two of them glanced around as the dummy fell to the ground, assessing the fight.

They saw it together, the second dummy moving out of the Shroud to attack Penny.

“Go!” Ethan shouted.

Alice shot across the training yard, rocketing forward with a Boosted Shock Blade Surge. She was there before Penny could call out for help, her blade thrusting into the dummy’s internals as she let loose with a Boosted Shock. The dummy began to twitch violently, the servo motors driving its limbs going haywire before it fell to the ground unmoving.

Penny gave a quick nod to Alice as she summoned a Boosted array of Shadow Bolts to attack the dummy her Shadow Minion was occupying. Just as the dummy managed to finally throw off the Shadow Minion, the Shadow Bolts impacted, staggering it backwards. Moments afterwards, Ethan came in swinging with his mace to finish the job and cracked the dummy center mass, knocking it to the ground and out of the fight.

All three moved back into formation as Trainer Harris signaled the round over.

Harris jumped down from the platform, walking over to the team. “Finally.” He grumbled, though his scowl softened as came closer. “You waited until the end, but you managed to pull it off.”

Harris continued on. “Good call outs and target swapping, you two.” Harris nodded towards Ethan and Alice. “I also saw that boost timing to nail the second dummy as it was getting away. That’s the sort of usage we’ve been talking about. Now you just need to do it a thousand times until you can coordinate in your sleep.”

Harris turned to Penny last. “Keeping the third dummy locked down while still providing support was a good spread on your abilities. Like the round before last, though, you need to keep a better eye for your own safety. If Ethan and Alice hadn’t taken care of that dummy, what was your plan?”

“Shadow Bolts.” Penny answered. “It’s why I was so quick on the redirect towards the final dummy. I was initially planning on defending with the spell.”

Harris nodded. “Good. Next time, consider repositioning as well. If you had moved left, the dummy would have been **** to go around Alice. As it was, it had an open path to you.” He turned his focus back to Ethan. “Did Alice Shock the second dummy before she took it down with a Boosted Shock?” He quizzed.

“I’m.. not sure.” Ethan got out after thinking for a moment.

“As support, It’s your responsibility to keep track of the fight. Jumping into the melee is fine, but don’t neglect the small details.” Harris lectured.

Alice knew her time was next as Harris looked at her. “Why didn’t you Shock through your blade on your parry?”

“Strategist Lee instructed that Shock is preferably conducted through direct contact with the target, sir” She replied.

Harris shook his head. “Textbook. Not good enough. You won’t always be up against something that you can get close enough to touch. Don’t be afraid to use back to back Shocks. Shock Blades are fast and deadly, not suited to a drag out fight. End your skirmishes quickly.”

“Understood.” Alice nodded.

“Dismissed.” Harris let out, already turning away from the team.

“This’ll get easier with a full team, right?” Penny complained. “I think most of my essence was spent healing me rather than Boosting.”

“Once we get a defender Ethan will be able to stay closer to you. Until then I expect Harris is going to keep picking on you.” Alice replied, her mouth twisting. “He was playing dirty, though. That dummy shouldn’t have been able to beeline towards you from within the shroud.”

Ethan shook his head. “No, he was right to do it. We don’t know what sort of senses the monsters in a dungeon will have. They could have sonar for all we know. We just have to be ready for it like we were today.”

The group made their way out of the training yard and into the locker rooms. As Ethan moved to split off into the men’s, Penny reached out for his arm. “Wait.” She had a naughty smile on her face. “How about a refill on essence?

“Here?” Ethan was surprised.

“You know nobody is around, there’s a reason they picked this old building on the edge of campus. They didn’t want people snooping on their new S rank.” Penny began to plead, putting on her best puppy dog expression. “Please oh please won’t you come fill me up?”

“You better listen to her.” Alice laughed. “If you don’t she’s just going to end up masturbating in the shower again.”

“Alice!” Penny scoffed in mock offense. “I would never!”

Ethan gave in, grabbing Penny by the hand and leading the way into the women’s locker room. “Fine, I’ll give you what you want.” He set down his gear, turning to her. “Strip.” He commanded.

“Yes, Trainer Ethan.” Penny teased, her expression serious.

“Uh, gross.” Alice said with a disgusted look. “Let’s avoid bringing Harris to mind, thank you.”

Penny and Ethan laughed together. Penny quickly stripped, presenting herself for Ethan. Alice stood close, watching Penny with him. “How should we take her?” She asked Ethan, looking as Penny stood naked for them.

“We?” Ethan questioned Alice. “Strip.”

Alice smiled as she began to get out of her training gear. “Yes, Trainer Ethan.”

Penny did a terrible job trying to keep her serious face, breaking out into giggles as Alice taunted Ethan.

"Alright, trainees," Ethan began, his voice taking on a playful, authoritative tone. "Since you both seem to think you can tease me without consequences, let's see how you handle some real training."

Penny and Alice exchanged excited glances, giggling together at his antics. They stood side by side, shoulders touching, their backs pressed against the cool tiles of the locker room wall.

Ethan stepped close, his hands reaching out to cup each of their breasts, squeezing gently. "First lesson: obedience." He commanded, his voice firm. "Spread your legs."

The women complied, spreading their legs apart to give Ethan better access. He moved his hands down, tracing the curves of their hips and thighs before finally reaching their pussies. He began to tease them, circling their clits and dipping into their wetness.

"Let's see how long you can last." Ethan murmured, his voice low.

He increased the pressure and speed of his fingers, making sure to give both women equal attention. Penny and Alice moaned in unison, their bodies writhing against the wall as Ethan's fingers brought them closer to the edge.

"Ethan..." Penny gasped, her voice pleading.

Ethan hushed her, his fingers never slowing down. "You'll get what you want when I say so."

Alice whimpered, her hips bucking against Ethan's hand as he brought her closer to the brink of orgasm. "Ethan…" she begged, dragging out his name.

"Together," Ethan commanded, his voice firm. "Come together for me."

They cried out, their bodies tensing as waves of pleasure washed over them. Ethan's fingers continued to work them, drawing out every last drop of their orgasms until they were left panting and spent.

Ethan pulled his hands away. "Good girls," he praised, his voice softening. "Now it's my turn."

Hands on their shoulders, he positioned them before him. Penny and Alice looked up at him from where they knelt, their faces written with expressions of lust and anticipation.

Ethan took hold of his cock, lifting it above them, straight out from himself.

“Begin.” He commanded.

The two began to work in unison, their mouths and hands moving in sync as they pleasured Ethan. They took turns sucking on his cock, their tongues swirling around the sensitive tip before taking him deep into their throats. Ethan groaned, his hips bucking slightly as he fought to maintain control.

Penny reached up, placing a hand on Alice's head and guiding her movements. "That's it," she murmured. “He likes it best when you suck just on the head.” Alice complied, her lips wrapped tightly around the head of his cock. Penny guided her into a rhythm, showing her exactly how Ethan liked his sock sucked.

Ethan groaned loudly, his body tensing as he reached his climax. He came hard, his cum shooting out in thick ropes and filling Alice's mouth. Penny guided Alice to hold it. “Don’t swallow yet. He loves to see it.” Her hand still on Alice's head, she ensured that none of Ethan's cum was wasted. As Ethan’s cock finished throbbing, Penny pulled Alice off his cock. “Now show him.”

Alice looked up, opening her mouth. Ethan looked down, seeing her mouth full of his cum, the sight intoxicating. He put a hand on her, closing her mouth.

“Swallow.” He commanded.

Alice swallowed eagerly, working to take down every last drop. She pulled back slightly, sticking out her tongue to show that there was nothing left in her mouth.

"Good girl," Ethan praised, his voice soft and satisfied. He reached down, pulling both women up to their feet and into a kiss. Penny and Alice kissed deeply, their tongues tangling as they shared the taste of Ethan's cum.

Ethan watched them, his heart swelling with love and desire. He pulled them both close, kissing each of them in turn before stepping back. "Now, get cleaned up," he said, his voice gentle.

They nodded, their bodies still humming with pleasure as they made their way to the showers. The hot water ran over them, washing away the sweat and grime of training but leaving the lingering scent of sex in the air.

The coffee shop on campus was quiet, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Mei sat at a corner table, nursing her latte as she waited for Penny. When she arrived, Mei waved her over, waiting while Penny ordered.

"Thanks for meeting me," Mei said as Penny took a seat across from her.

"No problem," Penny replied, "How have you been?"

Mei shrugged slightly. "I've been thinking a lot about what you all told me. I have some more questions if that's okay."

Penny nodded. "Of course. Ask away."

Mei took a deep breath and leaned forward to speak quietly. "So, if I join the team, what exactly would I need to do for bonding and essence generation? I want to be clear on what's expected of me."

Penny took a sip of her coffee, thinking carefully about how to explain it. "The way things work is completely in your hands, Mei. We've discussed this as a trio, and we know that adding you to the team is going to put you on the outside looking in due to how long the rest of us have been together."

Mei nodded, understanding the dynamics at play. "I see. So, what does that mean for me?"

Penny continued. "It means that we don't want to put any expectations on you that you didn't agree to. We know it's not fair to assume anything. If you join, you'll have the final say in how things progress. Ethan's class requires essence generation through sexual acts, and the more intimate and intense those acts are, the more essence is generated. Like we explained before, though, the single easiest way to generate essence is an orgasm."

Mei's cheeks flushed slightly at the bluntness of Penny's explanation. "And what if I'm not comfortable with that? What if I want to keep things professional?"

Penny smiled softly. "That's entirely up to you, Mei. We've discussed this extensively, and we're all on the same page. Ethan's class is weird and almost impossible to believe, but it offers incredible benefits. If you join, you'll have the freedom to decide how much or how little you want to participate in the essence generation process."

Mei took a moment to absorb everything before speaking. "I see. I think I need to speak to Ethan one on one before I make a decision. Can you arrange that?"

Penny nodded. "Of course. We can set something up for tonight if you'd like."

Mei agreed, and they finalized the plans before parting ways.

Ethan and Mei met at a local fast restaurant off-campus, the casual atmosphere setting the stage for their conversation. They ordered their meals and settled in, the tension between them palpable but not uncomfortable.

"Thanks for meeting me," Mei began, her voice steady. "I have some questions about how things would work if I join the team and I wanted to get the answers from you, considering, well.. everything."

Ethan nodded. "Of course. Ask away."

Mei took a deep breath before continuing. “So if I join, we’re going to have to bond, correct? Your abilities require it?”

“Yea.” Ethan answered. “There is a minimum amount of essence required, which from what we’ve learned amounts to a kiss while holding each other.”

“And you have to be involved to create the essence?” Mei followed up her first question. “There’s no way to generate it on my own, even if I’m bonded?”

“That’s what we’ve learned so far.” Ethan hesitated. “There.. Is some amount of essence generated between others when I’m still involved.”

Mei gave him a questioning look, prompting him to continue.

“Essentially, I don’t have to be personally involved the entire time, but I do need to be there.” He explained. “We haven’t tried just having me in the room, but it’s something we can test out. Like Penny said, what happens is your decision.”

The server arrived with their meals, giving them a chance to think.

Mei picked up where they had left off. “I want to keep things as professional as possible, but I know that's not entirely feasible given the nature of your class." She took a bite of her meal. “I’m not an ice queen, and you’re attractive, it’s just a lot to jump into.”

Ethan stayed silent, giving her space to finish her though.

“Like I said at my apartment, I was ready to turn you all away. What you were laying out was crazy. The idea of permanent growth, though?” Mei paused. “We worked well together during practice. Our classes mesh well. We’ve known each other for a few years. I know all three of you are competent. There’s every reason to join you.”

“But?” Filled in Ethan.

“But..” Mei looked conflicted. “But I’d feel like I was whoring myself out. Exchanging sex for power.”

Ethan nodded, sitting silently for a moment. “That’s the worst aspect of my class. Penny and Alice had to tell me to stop asking them if they were comfortable half a dozen times before we finally had a heart to heart about it. There’s always going to be this power imbalance on the team. My class gives, but I also have to take.”

They ate in silence for a few moments before Ethan continued. “All I can do about this is ensure everyone involved understands that things begin and end where they want them to. There’s a sort of trust and respect I have to have for you, in a way. One part of me wants to say that there’s no way someone would ever want to opt into a situation like this. The other part of me has to remind the other half that you can make that choice. If I’m constantly second guessing you, that isn’t trust or respect.”

“You’ve put some thought into this. So, what does that mean for me?" Mei asked.

“It means that if you’re in, we’ll find a way to do things the way that makes you comfortable.” Ethan answered. “It means that if you aren’t comfortable, you have to be comfortable telling me. Telling us. This really doesn’t work if the trust doesn’t go both ways.” Ethan continued, his voice gentle but firm. "It means that we don't want to put any expectations on you that you didn't agree to. The final hurdle to get over, though, is that my class doesn’t function without essence."

Mei's cheeks flushed slightly at the bluntness of Ethan's explanation. "And what if I'm not comfortable with that? What if I want to keep things professional?"

Ethan smiled softly. "That's entirely up to you, Mei. The crux of it is, though, that if we enter a dungeon without you having essence, we rely on my personal essence store. We can do that, but it’s no different than an intentional handicap. That’s essence that could be used for some other purpose. If Penny or Alice are hurt and out of essence, my personal stores are the guarantee that I can still heal them."

Mei nodded, focusing on finishing her meal, going over what Ethan had said.

As they paid for their dinner, they stood and made their way outside. “I have an arena slot I reserved in half an hour. You game?” Mei asked Ethan.

Ethan smiled. “I’ll call Penny and let them know to meet us there.”

The arena was a sprawling complex of advanced training facilities, designed to replicate the challenges and dangers of real dungeons. The rooms were equipped with state-of-the-art technology, capable of simulating a wide variety of monsters using a combination of projected light and mechanical dummies.

The team found their reserved room and made their way into the preparation area to ready their weapons and protective gear.

Ethan began reviewing the available scenarios on the console in the corner of the room. Mei joined him, reading as he scrolled. “Goblins sound like a good warmup?” Ethan asked her.

“Queue them up.” She replied, nodding.

The team made their way out into the arena room proper. The space was large, measuring 40’x40’ with complicated equipment suspended from the ceiling in the center of the room. The earthen floor was packed tight and scuffed armored panels lined the walls, indicating years of practice that had taken place. Their opponents for the scenario were lined up along the far wall, inactive. The arena staffer assigned to the room greeted them as they entered. He ran through the required safety brief before moving over to the control console and starting up the encounter.

The five dummies stood up straight as they came online. The light projectors activated as the dummies finished their testing and warm up cycle. As the projectors stabilized, the dummies were overlaid with a realistic representation of an actual goblin.

“Confirm ready!” Shouted the arena staffer.

“Confirm ready!” Ethan responded.

The lights dimmed and the team lifted their weapons in anticipation. “Begin!” Shouted the staffer.

Immediately, the constructs began to dash forward.

Penny summoned her Boosted Shadow Minion, holding it by her side as Mei next to her raised her Earth Wall to waist height in front of her and Penny. Alice and Ethan stood at either end of the wall, holding down the flanks.

The ‘goblins’ continued their dash forward, uncaring for the obstacle ahead of them. Penny conjured her Shroud, dropping it on the party as the constructs were about to reach them, concealing the moves the team made as they clashed with their enemies.

Alice made a sharp jab forward with her blade, a Boosted Shock putting down her target before it could react to the Shroud concealing her attack. As she looked to her right, she watched as Mei conjured a Water Whip and struck at the feet of the charging ‘goblins.’ Her attack succeeded, causing both constructs to stumble and crash against the wall of earth. Alice moved quickly, striking **** spots as the dummies attempted to get back to their feet, dispatching both of them.

Ethan and Penny hadn’t been idle. As one construct went to leap over the wall, it was interrupted by the Shadow Minion. The Minion pulled it off balance mid vault, throwing it to the ground where Penny was able to strike a **** point on the back of the constructs head with her quarter staff. As she finished her blow, she turned, casting a Boosted Shadow Bolts which she used to tear down the construct Ethan had shoved backwards with his shield.

The lights came back up to full brightness, indicating the round was over. Penny released her Shroud, turning to Mei. “Something a bit more challenging, maybe?”

“I think so.” Mei said, looking down at the constructs Alice had finished for her.

The fights continued smoothly, the team working in sync as they took down the scenarios one by one. Mei's spells were precise and powerful, her elemental magic cutting through the enemies with ease. Penny continued to provide cover and support, while Alice's rapid strikes kept the dummies at bay. Ethan coordinated their efforts, his strategic thinking ensuring that they moved as a cohesive unit.

As they advanced through the scenarios, the difficulty increased, with the team adapted quickly. Mei was impressed by their teamwork and began to see the potential benefits of joining such a well-oiled machine. “I’ve missed this.” Mei commented at the end of the most recent round. “Working as a ringer, you never quite get that feeling of working well as a team.”

Ethan nodded, remarking on how smooth every scenario had felt. “The last fight had us pushing some limits, but it felt great. We were in control from start to finish.”

However, when Ethan proposed raising the challenge to an even higher level, Mei hesitated. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism. "We're fighting one person down."

Ethan nodded reassuringly. "Trust us, Mei. We know what we're doing. This is a test of our limits and our ability to adapt. We’ve made a habit of trying to push a bit further on the last round over the last few years." Penny and Alice chimed in, their voices confident. "We've got this," Penny said. “It won’t be a problem,” Alice added.

Mei took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. "Alright, let's do it."

The construct that entered the room next was massive. Easily twice their height, when the projectors came online the large scorpion was vivid enough to shed shivers down Alice’s spine. “You had to pick a bug?” She asked Ethan.

Ethan grinned at her complaint, hefting his shield and mace, calling out ready to the staffer. The lights dimmed and the fight began.

The large construct didn’t rush them like the previous fights had. The hissing sound it made was all too realistic and it appeared to be assessing the team, claws snapping together as it began to move slowly towards the team.

“Penny, bait an attack. Alice, try and use the opening for a Shock. Mei, go for the eyes.” Ethan called out commands.

The Shadow Minion moved forward and as it did the scorpion's tail lashed out, seeking to skewer the Minion. At the same time, Mei fired Rock Shards at the constructs' eyes. The combination attack worked just like Ethan had called for. Alice was able to land a clean Boosted Shock that blew open the stinger of the tail.

The scorpion construct lunged forward in response, claws snapping forward. Ethan caught one on his shield and Alice narrowly avoided the other. The creature kept moving forward, rushing past Ethan and Alice to strike at Mei. Not caught flat footed, Mei raised an Earth Wall and ducked down behind it. The wall shattered, peppering Mei with stone as the creature’s claw destroyed the wall.

Mei stood, already casting her next spell. The Air Slide spell took hold and began to move her, but not quickly enough. The other claw of the scorpion had caught her cloak, holding her in place as her spell attempted to move her. She saw the mouth of the scorpion gnashing as the claw pulled her closer.

Just as Mei thought she was going to be eliminated, an astounding amount of Shadow Bolts began to lay into the face of the creature. Cast after cast, Penny repeated her spell all while being Boosted. The speed, strength, and sheer number of the bolts drove the construct backwards. It began to drag Mei with only for Ethan and Alice to arrive. Together the two of them struck at the claw, breaking Mei free.

Scrambling backwards, Mei joined Penny’s barrage, starting repeated castings of her Rock Shards spell. As they drove the beast back, she heard Ethan yelling over the clamour.

“Alice! Execution!” He screamed.

Mei watched as Alice moved so quickly she had trouble following it. The speed she moved at leant her all the **** she needed to drive her blade deep into the face of the construct and a deafening crack of lightning sounded out as Alice released repeated uses of a Boosted Shock into the inner workings of the construct. Three times Alice struck before the lights of the room lit back up, signaling an end to the fight.

Each of them stood up straight, lowering their weapons. Alice yanked her blade out, one foot on the constructs face for leverage.

The arena staffer walked over to the now destroyed construct, shaking his head at the destruction. He looked at the team, speaking. “I thought you said you were D ranked? This thing is toast.”

As they made their way out of the Arena, leaving the astounded staffer behind, Mei turned to Ethan, Penny, and Alice, her eyes wide with admiration. "That was incredible," she breathed. "I've never seen anything like it."

Mei took a deep breath, her decision made. "I want to join the team," she said, her voice steady and confident."

Ethan smiled, holding out his hand to Mei. "Welcome to the team, Mei. We're glad to have you."

Mei shook his hand, a smile on her face. She looked at Penny and Alice as they cheered, rushing towards Mei to wrap her in a hug.