The moment Elen stepped forward, the world pressed down.
Akari felt it instantly, the sheer density of A-rank mana flooding the training yard, sharp and unyielding. Her breath hitched as the air itself seemed to resist her movement.
This was no demonstration.
This was real pressure.
Elen's sword slid from its sheath, the sound crisp and final.
"Begin."
Elen moved.
Too fast.
sword met sword in a blur, the impact ringing through Akari's arms like thunder.
Akari skidded backward, boots scraping stone.
Focus.
She drew mana inward, reinforcing her muscles just as Elen's next strike came down.
Clang!
Akari blocked, but barely.
The force drove her to one knee.
Elen didn't pause.
Her strikes flowed clean and relentless, each one felt heavy.
Akari retreated step by step, breath sharp, heart pounding.
This is A-rank…
Her arms screamed.
Her vision blurred.
And beneath it all, her divine power stirred.
Fear brushed her thoughts.
And stopped.
Akari exhaled slowly.
She didn't push the power outward.
She let it rise.
Golden light spilled softly from her body, not explosive, not wild. It wrapped around her like a second presence, warm and steady.
Elen's eyes widened slightly.
"…So this is your answer."
Akari felt lighter and Stronger.
Mana reinforced her body from within.
Divine power shielded her from without.
Inside and outside, balanced.
Elen struck again.
This time, Akari held.
Their blades locked, golden light flaring where swords met.
Akari pushed back.
Just an inch.
But it was enough.
Elen stepped back, adjusting her stance.
Her mana intensified.
Akari moved with it.
She dodged, countered, blocked.
Solflare's crimson edge traced arcs of firelight.
Emberveil's darker glow anchored her movements.
Akari's feet found rhythm.
Her breathing stayed even.
Elen attacked from above.
Akari crossed her blades, divine light bursting outward.
BOOM.
The shockwave rattled the yard.
Dust settled.
Akari stood.
Elen stood opposite her, breathing heavier than before.
"…Impressive," Elen said.
She advanced again.
Akari met her.
They exchanged blow after blow, Akari never overpowering, never reckless.
Just enduring.
Adapting and Learning.
Finally, Elen twisted past Akari's guard and tapped her chest with the flat of her blade.
"Match," Elen said calmly.
Akari froze.
Then laughed softly, breathless, exhausted.
"I lost…"
Elen sheathed her sword.
"You didn't make it easy."
She stepped forward and placed a hand on Akari's shoulder.
"You made me work for that win."
Akari's golden light faded gently, sinking back beneath her skin.
Her knees wobbled, but she didn't fall.
"…Does that mean…" she asked quietly.
Elen nodded.
"You have my full acknowledgment."
Akari's chest tightened.
"…Thank you."
Elen allowed herself a rare, genuine smile.
"When Lady Lyra returns," she said, "she will not be meeting the same girl she saved on the battlefield."
Akari looked at her hands, still faintly warm.
"I'll be ready."
Above them, the evening sky glowed gold.
And somewhere far away.
A goddess smiled.