It had been a week since Leo became a "master."
He built a wooden dummy out of logs, pretended he knew sword stances, and made up drills based on old anime plotlines. Aira copied everything without question.
She now had six blisters, one callus, and an unnerving ability to swing her sword faster than Leo could blink.
But they were running low on food again.
"Alright," Leo said, clapping his hands. "Today's mission: hunting."
Aira stood up immediately, wooden sword in hand.
Leo pointed to the forest dramatically. "Stay sharp. Anything could attack us—wolves, boars, slime creatures…"
Aira was already walking.
"Or, you know, we could plan—OH, she's gone."
Thirty minutes later…
Thump.
Leo jumped at the sound.
Aira returned, dragging behind her a massive, horned lizard beast with one hand.
"…How did you—"
"I stabbed it."
"Where?!"
"In the eye."
Leo blinked. "Cool. Cool cool cool. Great job. Uh, help me drag it?"
Aira tilted her head. "You said a master should let his disciple grow strong through labor."
"…Right."
So Leo dragged the beast back to camp, sweating bullets, while Aira quietly followed behind.
[SYSTEM NOTICE: Host has acquired "Cooked Lizard Meat (Charred)" Skill.]
Leo threw the meat over a fire, seasoning it with wild herbs. Aira sat beside him, watching quietly as the smell of roasted meat filled the air.
"You're improving fast," Leo said.
"I want to protect you."
Leo nearly choked on his spit. "Me?"
"You're weak," Aira said bluntly. "If you die, it'd be annoying."
"…Thanks for the motivation."
They ate in silence, the fire crackling beside them.
That night, they both lay in the small shelter.
There was only one bed made of stitched leaves and moss. It was just big enough for two.
Aira was already asleep, curled up quietly.
Leo lay on the edge, eyes wide open, arms stiff at his sides.
"Just don't think about it. Just sleep. Just ignore the faint smell of wildflowers and soap somehow… sleep, idiot."
He turned to the side.
Then back.
Then stared at the ceiling.
His mental battle raged on.