Morning sunlight spilled over the training yard like a lazy blessing from the gods — not that Ren felt blessed in the slightest.
He dragged his feet across the stone tiles, yawning so wide it looked like his soul was trying to escape. His white hair was a disaster, sticking out in every direction.
Maybe she just wants to talk about my healing magic today… no physical training? Yeah, that'd be nice. Peaceful, quiet, no explosions, Ren thought hopefully.
That hope died the moment he saw her.
Vaspera stood in the middle of the training yard, arms crossed, looking every bit like the executioner greeting her next victim. Her pink hair shimmered in the light, and her expression said one thing: suffer.
"You're late," she said.
Ren blinked at the sun. "It's… seven fifty-eight."
She raised one elegant finger. Crimson energy crackled around it.
Ren's eyes widened. "Actually, it's eight. My mistake!"
The glow faded. She nodded, satisfied. "Good. You learn fast."
Yeah, Ren thought miserably, fear is a great motivator.
Vaspera turned slightly, her tone casual — too casual.
"Since you're under my roof now, I'll train you so you won't die in future battles."
"Train me?" Ren asked, brightening. "You mean… like, stretches and sword swings?"
A faint smile tugged at her lips — the kind of smile you saw before a storm. "Something like that."
Before Ren could ask, a red magic circle flared beneath his feet.
"Wait—!"
BOOM!
Ren was airborne for half a second before he hit the ground hard. Dust flew.
He coughed, dazed. "W-what was that?!"
"Lesson one," Vaspera said, voice calm as ever. "Dodge."
Ren groaned. "That's lesson one?! What's lesson two, surviving an apocalypse?!"
She raised her hand again. "You'll find out if you live that long."
And thus, the morning turned into a blur of shouting, running, and near-death experiences.
"Left!" Vaspera said.
Ren dodged right.
BOOM!
"Right!"
He dodged left.
BOOM!
After half an hour, Ren's lungs burned. Sweat poured down his neck, his legs shaking.
I thought witches brewed potions, not human suffering!
Finally, Vaspera lowered her hand. "Now, lift that."
Ren followed her gaze — and instantly regretted it. A boulder, taller than him and easily heavier than a horse, sat in the corner.
"You mean… move it where exactly?"
"Just lift it."
He stared blankly. "You're joking."
She didn't even blink.
Ren sighed. "Of course you're not."
He braced, pushed, strained — and didn't move it an inch. His arms trembled, his back screamed. Vaspera watched silently from under the shade, sipping tea like she was at a play.
She's really just going to sit there while I die, huh.
When Ren finally collapsed face-first onto the grass, Vaspera stood and approached.
"That's enough for today," she said.
He groaned into the dirt. "Finally… peace…"
She crossed her arms. "We'll continue this training for one month. After that, we'll begin the real training."
Ren's eyes shot open. "This wasn't the real training?!"
Vaspera gave a slight shrug. "this is just beginners stuff."
She turned to leave, her voice softer — almost amused. "Don't be late tomorrow."
Ren let out a weak laugh, rolling onto his back to stare at the sky.
A month of this… I'm doomed.
As she walked away, Vaspera glanced over her shoulder. He was already half-asleep on the grass, a faint smile on his face despite the bruises.
She blinked, an unfamiliar warmth tugging at her chest.
He's still smiling… even after all that?
Her expression softened for just a heartbeat before she turned away again.
Foolish… but interesting.
And thus began Ren's training from hell — a month that would break his body, test his patience, and somehow, little by little… change her heart.
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