Practice makes perfect

The next day, you’re doing some weapon training with Clarissa, getting used to the new addition to your gear. You revealed the new imperial flag this morning, and got people working on making various sizes to fly over important buildings. The original you plan to hang in the throne room. The people seemed excited about the symbol of the newborn empire, and from what you hear, the design has been well received.

You and Clarissa spar, the practice weapons clashing with a dull, wooden sound, with an occasional clank as a blow hits home, usually on your armor rather than hers. You’ve improved considerably in your bladework, but Clarissa has trained her whole life. If you could use your magic, it would be no contest, but when it comes to a straight melee, the sturdy dwarf outclasses you completely.

After a particularly embarrassing sequence, you’re left on your back, with your sword five feet away. A grinning Clarissa has a foot on your chest, her training axe resting on your neck. You take some satisfaction from the fact that she’s breathing heavily and sweating, her iron grey skin shining in the sun.

She takes her foot off you, smiling. “You’ve gotten a lot better, Josh. I have to work to take you down, now. You’re giving me a workout these days.”

You chuckle. “Still got me in the end though. Hopefully I’m good enough to do what needs to be done.”

An amused voice rings out across the practice fields. “Dont worry, you’ll have us along, we’ll crush anyone who looks at you funny!”

Striding towards you is Uzume and Ky Dura. The towering, muscular women draw a lot of attention from the training guardsmen. Both women are obviously incredibly strong, and stand head and shoulders above even the tallest guards. Despite that, they both seem to exude a primal sexuality without much effort.

You smile. “As grateful as I am for your help, I need to fight my own battle sometimes. Unless you think you’re so strong that magic doesn’t affect you, Uzume?”

The grinning Oni shrugs. “I haven’t faced anything yet I couldn’t crush. Dura here was my biggest challenge, and all that ended up doing was breaking a bed!”

Dura grins, nodding. “That’s why we’re here, actually.”

You laugh. “Broke another bed? The castle staff are going to get upset if you two keep that up!”

Clarissa giggles. “We need to get you two a reinforced bed frame.”

Uzume laughs. “No, we just do it on the rug now! No, we came to invite you to join us tonight! Hana wants in too. That cute little thing showed us what she can do with slime tentacles the other night.”

Dura nods. “More durable than she looks, that one.”

You chuckle. “I’m guessing that’s the surprise she mentioned. Well, it might kill me, but sure, I’ll be there.”

The towering pair both grin, and Uzume winks. “Don’t worry, we’ll be sorta gentle!”

Dura nods to Clarissa. “Don’t beat him up too much, we want him in decent shape tonight.”

Clarissa grins. “We’ll, that’s up to Josh. He’s going to have to earn it!”

You groan, retrieving your sword. “Fair enough. Let’s go, Clarissa.”

The Oni and orc watch you spar for a while, offering advice and encouragement. You train harder under their gaze, not wanting to embarrass yourself. After all, you have something to look forward to now. Even if it might be more exhausting than the training!