Pluvia's breath came out hard and heavy as Hakurou's wooden blade smashed into her side once more.
" Do not focus on just the blade; pay attention to the entirety of your opponent. "
Pluvia stumbled as her eyes flickered around searching for where he would stop next.
' Now! '
Pluvia painfully pulled her arm to the side as she brought her blade to face the warrior before her. She twisted her arm as she predicted his faint and attempted to block his blow.
' His shoulder pulls up slightly just before he does a faint... '
Pluvia mused in her mind. As they sparred, she slowly began taking notice of different signals Lord Hakurou was giving her before he struck. She grinned as her blade successfully met his after many minutes of sparring, but that grin faded quickly as she realized that the position she had put her arm into to block had made her block weak and allowed his blade to easily push through it.
" Very good, my lady, you are learning quickly. I think I can push a bit more now... "
Pluvia's eyes widened as he sped up further. His blade was beating her from all sides.
' I can't find... I can't... HOW CAN I THINK IN THIS SITUATION?! '
Pluvia's thoughts faltered as the pain radiating through her body made her struggle to think. A few seconds later, Hakurou's barrage stopped, and she fell forward, collapsing onto the hard training ground.
" Hm... You are not bad, my lady. You can analyze and adapt to situations well if given the opportunity to. However, in a battle, your opponent will rarely allow you such a luxury, so you must give yourself that luxury. As I said earlier, stop focusing on my sword and focus on me. Predict where I will appear next and strike quickly, fight on your own accord and not reactively. "
Pluvia groaned as she sat up. She nodded quickly, her heart burning with anger at being embarrassed so thoroughly.
' How can this be... even those goblins could react to a few hits before being beaten... '
" Do not lose courage, my lady. This is your first time really training. Given how you were adapting during that battle, I believe you will grow wonderfully in the art of the blade. "
Pluvia glared up at the old man before her and pushed herself back up to her feet.
" I'm not done with you yet, old man... "
Lord Hakurou's gaze grew dark, and he stepped forward menacingly. The aura he was emitting caused shivers to run down Pluvia's spine.
" Oh ho ho... Quite the bold words, my lady... "
Pluvia gulped down a mouthful of saliva as she readied herself for a world of hurt.