No one's POV

It was morning. In the crack of dawn and Lefiya woke up noticing that it was barely morning.

Lefiya: I woke up really early...

Lefiya thought for a moment and decided that she would train, thinking that she could join Aiz and Asuna at this time. Aiz and Asuna would always woke up at the crack of dawn to train together. Sometimes some of the Loki Familia members got woken up due to the noise of blade clashing between Aiz and Asuna. And as Lefiya went to the training ground, she was confused that neither Aiz nor Asuna were there.

Lefiya: Uh... Did I come here to early?

Lefiya was about to head back inside, but then she noticed to figure on top of the Twilight Manor wall as they jumped out heading outside, and Lefiya knew right away it was Aiz and Asuna.

Lefiya: Huh? Miss Aiz? Miss Asuna?

Lefiya decided to follow after them as she was running street after street searching for them. And without her noticing, both her and a certain adventurer in white hit one another.

Lefiya: Ouch! I'm so-

???: I-I'm sorry!

The person apologized to her first before she could and the boy held his hand out asking her to give her his hand so he could help her up. And this was the first meeting between Bell and Lefiya.

Bell: Are you alright? Ah...

After Bell realized that it was an elf that he hit, he back up a bit unsure what to do next and Lefiya noticed it.

Lefiya(mind): Oh... He knows that elves typically don't like to be touched? Still... All elves aren'y like that.

Lefiya grabbed his hand and stood up thanking him.

Lefiya: Thank you. I'm sorry, I wasn't looking properly when turning that corner.

Bell: N...No! I'm also at fault for appearing so suddenly!

Lefiya delivered an apology with a smile while Bell could only stumble over his words of respond. One might actually think the boy had never even spoken to a girl before from the way he speak and the way his face was heating up, especially with contrast with Lefiya's calm, very elven demeanor.

Lefiya(mind): What's this? Is he not used to woman...? He seems to be humble and honest... He looks like an adventurer but doesn't act like one... Just like Mister Sora, who could be serious when he needs to be and bashful at the same time. That's right!

Lefiya started asking about Aiz and Asuna's whereabout.

Bell: Gold hair and Gold eyes? And a high ranking blue hair elf...?

Lefiya: That's right! The Sword Princess, Aiz Wallenstein! And The Berserk Healer, Asuna Yuuki! You should know who they are as a fellow adventurer! Have you seen them today?!

She could feel the desperation building in her voice. The boy, however, was silent, and Lefiya could have sworn she saw the beginning of sweat forming on his temple.

Bell: Uh... Um. Are you a member of the Loki Familia?

Bell sounds started to shaken up a bit.

Lefiya: Yes, I am. Do you know something about Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna?!

Bell's face grew paler by the second and Lefiya started to get suspicious and she noticed that the boy must've knew something about Aiz and Asuna, and she was about to pressed him even further until he decided to bolt away completely shocking Lefiya.

Lefiya: WHAT?! He ran away?! This must mean that he has a guilty conscience when it comes to Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna!

Lefiya started chasing him. She could tell just by the way he was running that the boy was a level 1, even though she was a mage, her speed as a level 3 adventurer will shortly but surely surpasses his. She was gaining distance by the second and her hands was about to grabbed his light armor, but the boy managed to grabbed to what it looks like a pole and managed to redirect his way and dodge Lefiya's hand.

Lefiya: Huh?! Why you...!

And so, the chase began one after the other, every time Lefiya was about to catch up to him, the boy managed to overthrow Lefiya's way of running and gained the upper hand.

Lefiya: RAAAAAAH!!! I'm not going to forgive you anymore!

Lefiya thought she was stupid to think that this boy was kind. In her eyes, Bell nice demeanor earlier was nothing but an act as she revised her evaluation, seeing him now as nothing but an insolent, rude boy concealing. And as Lefiya saw him turned into the corner of the street, she went after him and when she did, the boy was gone.

Lefiya: Huh?! He's not here?! Where did he go?!

She didn't realized that there was a small gap between a nearby building like a blindspot.

(Timeskip)

Sora was currently on his own on the top of the city wall as he was confused to where Bell is.

Sora: Where the hell is that boy?

???: S-Sora?

Sora looked to his side and saw that Bell was beat up completely exhausted.

Sora: What happened? You went earlier than me all excited by wanting the chance to be trained by Aiz, but I got here first before you?

Bell: I'm sorry... I was being chased around by a forest fairy...

Sora: Fairy...?

Bell: She was really beautiful and really scary. Can I rest for awhile?

Sora looked confused and he just let Bell rest for awhile while also waiting for Aiz and Asuna who hadn't arrived yet. Elsewhere, Aiz and Asuna were on their way up to the city wall as Aiz let out a yawn.

Aiz: I'm sleepy...

Asuna: I don't blame you. I'm sleepy too. If you're gonna teach Bell how to fight, we should be fine here.

Aiz: Yes...

Asuna: Remember, we shouldn't be doing something like this. Using them like that to gain strength was a bit wrong. And I think, Sora had seen through you completely. After all, he's not someone you can fool easily. You may think that you had tricked him, but actually, you've been playing right into his hand all along. Even someone like Finn, had a hard time reading someone like Sora.

Aiz looked down a bit. The real reason behind Aiz's offer was so she could learn their secret. She wanted to discover what was behind their extraordinary, remarkable growth. Despite being an adventurer for little more than a month, Bell's growth was unprecedented. And Sora's power was not benefitting of a level 6 adventurer. And this caught Aiz's interest. She needed to know how they did it. How Bell managed to progress so quickly that he could venture into the upper level. And Sora's strength who is rumor to surpassed a level 7.

Aiz: Asuna... How does Sora do it? I've been watching him fight this entire time. The one on the 18th floor and the one on the 24th floor. And you said that this was nothing compare to his real speed and strength. Just how could he move so fast in a such amount of time?

Asuna: Well... Just like you, he seek strength. Unparalleled strength that could overthrow anything. But at the same time, he doesn't want to lose sight of who he was or to take back what it is lost to him. He already lost so much that he couldn't count anymore.

Aiz: His Mother, His Father, and little sister... am I right?

Asuna: Oo... So you know about that?

Aiz: Yes... He told me seven years ago. His the same as me...

Asuna: Actually he's far worst than you. Just like me, he lost his Familia. And not only that, he killed his own mother for the sake of Orario. That's something not even I could do. And not long after that, he lost another family member. The Astraea Familia... Alise and the others...

Aiz:...

Aiz bit down her lips, unable to process why Sora would do something like that. Aiz couldn't even imagine she could do something like Sora. There's no way she would killed her own mother for the sake of Orario. But Sora did do it, for the sake of Orario. And he already lost so much that Aiz couldn't help but feel guilty. But the more reason why she couldn't understand his pure heart and undying white flame that burn inside him. Unlike hers who is a black flame.

Asuna: Well... If you want to know more, you can go ask him yourself. There they are...

Asuna said while looking in front of her as to where Sora and Bell was.

(Timeskip)

It's been three hours since Lefiya started chasing Bell and the sun started rising. Her shoulders heaved with every breath. Her stamina had been completely depleted.

Lefiya: I completely lost sight of him... I'm covered in seat... I was supposed to be having a refreshing time with Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna right now... Why did this happen...

???: Um... Aiz, are you sure you don't want me to carry him?

Aiz: No it's fine. I'm the one that hit him to hard after all.

Lefiya then heard a familiar and went to take a peek and as soon she saw it, she felt her heart stop. It was her target. The boy in the white hair and he was hanging off his shoulder was none other than Aiz.

Lefiya(mind): WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!

Lefiya's entire world crumble as she lay down on the ground motionless.

(Timeskip)

That night, at the Twilight Manor, every member of the Loki Familia were helping themselves to supper in a corner of their large mess hall, a certain elvesn maiden was wallowing in a cloud of misery, avoiding all eye contact with her peers.

Tione: What happened?

Tiona: I don't know...

Tione and Tiona could be heard whispering back and forth, the two of them huddled together in front of Lefiya as though conducting some sort of secret meeting, Aiz and Asuna who was on their way to their seat noticed Lefiya's distressed aura and they looked puzzled.

Asun: Lefi...ya...?

Aiz: What happened?

Lefiya didn't respond, not even lifting her head. Just as Aiz and Asuna were getting truly worried about the girl's state of mind, Lefiya posed a question calmly, gently, in a husky timbre practically squeezed from her throat.

Lefiya: Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna... Who was that human you both were secretly meeting with this morning?

Aiz and Asuna: ?!

Aiz and Asuna were overwhelmed by an incredible sense of enmity and menace. And the two of them had the same thought as how does she know that?

Lefiya just sat there, waiting for both Aiz's and Asuna's respond. Both of them could feel everyone's eyes and attention on her back. They needed to do something and Asuna grabbed both of their hands and she quickly pulled them out of the mess. And Asuna led them to an empty room.

Aiz: How do you know about that, Lefiya?

Aiz were practically shaking. It was a rare sight for them, while Asuna continue to stay compose.

Lefiya: While I was chasing after you this morning, I saw a beautiful swordswoman with pretty golden hair and golden eyes, and an unknown human boy embracing each other.

Aiz were practically trembling as she was in big trouble while Asuna just sighed.

Lefiya: Miss Aiz, please tell me. Do you have a long lost sister? Or was that just my imagination?

Asuna: Lefiya calm down... We'll explain everything.

Aiz and Asuna then explain the whole situation, about their training before the expedition. And how Aiz ask Sora to train them in a cost of Asuna joining them as well.

Lefiya: Training on top of the city wall... Then that embracing stuff was...

Aiz: Um... I was just helping him walk. Since he wasn't able to walk after our training.

Lefiya: Why didn't you just let Mister Sora do it?

Aiz: Well, since I was the one who keeps knocking him down, so I thought that I should be responsible for it.

Lefiya sighed for a moment and spoke up.

Lefiya: In other words, you both are training with Mister Sora while also helping train that human on how to fight until our expedition... Is that right?

Both Aiz and Asuna nodded their head and Lefiya was relieved that she had misunderstood that, but on the inside, she was extremely jealous. As the 4 of them were together.

Lefiya(mind): That human, cheeky to begin with! Asking Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna to teach him even when he already had someone as strong as Mister Sora. Even though they were from another Familia. The Hestia Familia was it? Isn't having Miss Aiz and Miss Asuna teaching a low class adventurer of a new and obscure Familia the same as making them work for free...?

Aiz and Asuna who were staring at Lefiya could easily tell what she was thinking due to her face being so obvious.

Aiz: Is not what you're thinking. I'm the one who ask Sora to train me. And he said that he'll train me as long as Asuna comes along and help him train his Familia member.

Asuna: Is not their fault, Lefiya. And I too want to spend some time with Sora myself. Its been awhile after all.

Lefiya: But if you want to train, the both of you should do it like normal sparring with one another. Or you could ask Captain or Riveria?

Aiz: Um... Well... Since Sora is far stronger than any of them, I thought that it would be better being taught how to fight by someone stronger. And in just this one day, he completely see through me. My weaknesses and everything.

Asuna: You've seen Sora fought. And you know that, Finn, Riveria and Gareth stands no chance against someone like Sora right?

The desperate way Aiz tried to cover for the boy and Asuna backing her up, however only worsened Lefiya's mood.

Aiz: Please, Lefiya. Don't tell everyone about this.

Lefiya(mind): Do you really want to be with them and train with them that much?

Lefiya tried to keep her emotion in check, but she couldn't bear it any longer. The jealousy welling up inside finally exploded, her voice rising as she hardened her resolve.

Lefiya: I have one condition! If you don't agree to it... I'll tell everyone! I think...

She mumble the last part, but both Aiz and Asuna still heard it.

Lefiya: please train me... Just like that human!

Aiz and Asuna stare at her dumbfounded. They thought if that was it. If Lefiya had just come to them from the start, they would gladly accept.

Aiz: If you're okay with us, then sure...

Lefiya: REALLY?!

Lefiya raised her voice looking happily.

Asuna: Yes, really. You know, if you just ask me, I'll gladly teach you.

Lefiya: Y-YES!!

Lefiya was jumping out for joy as she managed to gain their attention only for her as both Aiz and Asuna just looked at her dumbfounded.

(Timeskip)

It was the second day of their training as both Aiz and Bell were sparring with one another as Aiz was giving him advice.

Aiz: Don't move around aimlessly. Think carefully about your position in order to use your surroundings properly!

Bell: Y-Yes!

Aiz then managed to thrust her scabbard towards bell's chest and he fell down to his knees holding his chest in pain but he wasn't given any time to rest.

Sora: Don't stop even if you get hit, Bell! I've told you many times!

Bell then noticed multiple small balls of water aiming towards Bell as Asuna who was on the rear were launching multiple magic attacks towards Bell as he managed to react on time and dodge the oncoming attack.

Sora: Don't defend recklessly! I don't care if it's an attack or a dodge. Just make sure you can defend while connecting it to your next attack, Bell!

Bell: Gah... Y-Yes!

Bell said as he managed to react on time as he counter Aiz attack and they all smile at him.

Asuna: That was good.

Bell: R-Really?!

They all nodded at him as Bell was still panting while taking a practice swing and Sora go told Bell to take a short rest along with Asuna as both he and Aiz spar with one another as Bell looked at them in awe. When he was fighting with Aiz, Bell was on the defense this whole time, but when he saw Sora and Aiz spar, Aiz was the one who was on the defense.

Sora: You're getting faster Aiz. And your swordsmanship is impressive as always I see.

Aiz: T-Thanks...

Sora: But in the end...

Sora then swept off Aiz's feet, causing her to fall as Sora pointed his sword on Aiz's neck.

Sora: You still have that habit on leaving your legs open. Though, I admit, your swordsmanship is impressive, but you lack in close combat training, unlike Tiona, Tione, or Bete.

Aiz didn't say anything and looked down. It was rare for her to be so depressed and both Bell and Asuna saw as Sora was giving her advice just as when Aiz gave Bell advice.

Sora: You're an excellent fighter, but I do recommend take some combat training. Your kicking still needs a bit of work. But as for your swordsmanship, it was perfect.

Aiz: R-Right...

Both Aiz and Bell were currently taking a break as both Sora and Asuna spar with one another, they were moving at ultrasonic speed that a normal adventurer like Bell would had trouble following. Sora continue to gave his barrage of attacks leaving Asuna on the defense, but Asuna continue to concurrent chant for her spell as she could overturn this in one attack.

Asuna: Splash into the Abyss, Lake of Wisdom, My name is Wishe... Aqueous Geyser!!

Even though it was nothing compare to the real one. Asuna send a half medium water dragon attack towards Sora, and it hit at the place Sora was standing, flooding the area a bit and obstructing their views.

Bell: Did Miss Asuna did it?

Aiz: Not quite, look over there...

Bell then looked over towards Asuna's back and saw that Sora had pointed his blade at Asuna's throat making Asuna freeze.

Asuna: What the?! I didn't see you move at all.

Sora: You always forget about this. When you manipulate a large scale phenomenon like that, you tend to create more blindspot for yourself. This is the same thing your sensei said to you a long time ago? You remember right?

Asuna scoffed in annoyance.

Asuna: Wait, till I use Stacia on you, Sora! I'll be beating you into a pulp...

Sora: Yup, you probably will. But this is training, not real life fight. Am I right, Asuna-chan...

Sora said it with a smirk on his face and Asuna blushed furiously as her face was getting redder and redder and Asuna started pinching both of Sora's cheek.

Asuna: S-Shut up... You and that mouth of yours. Always saying stuff like that...

Sora: A-Asuna! This is suppose to be training, not you pinching me!

Both Sora and Asuna continue to quarrel with one another, which is a rare sight for Aiz. When Asuna was with their Familia, she would always act like an older sister figure to everyone, so for Asuna to be acting childishly like this completely surprised Aiz. Aiz then looked at Bell for a moment, she was also surprised by how much Bell has change in just one day. The only problem was Bell was to obedient. He only follows what he was told without adding anything to his own technique. Aiz then noticed that Bell was looking down a bit and she quickly know what's bothering him.

Aiz: Are you bothered, by the word "Coward" when I said it, yesterday?

Bell: Uh, um... Yes...

(Flashback)

Aiz: You're a coward, aren't you? I think it's important to be a coward in order to protect yourself. But you're afraid of something besides that. I don't know what you fear. But I think you'll run away when the moment comes.

(Present)

Aiz(mind): I hurt him again...

Aiz: Um... That's not what I meant when I used the word "Coward". I don't think you're uncool or pitiful. Like I said yesterday, being a cowards is a good thing. While you shouldn't confuse being cowardly with being prudent, being scared of something can help your party in the dungeon. So don't be embarrassed and treasure it instead.

Bell: Miss Aiz...

Aiz: Rather than that, being someone that doesn't feel fear is far more dangerous. I'm like that...

Bell: Huh?

Aiz: I've made Riveria and Asuna and the others worry abd have gotten them involved with many things. Not feeling anything probably makes me the same as a monster.

Aiz said looking bitterly as she recall everything that she has been through ever since she join the Loki Familia 9 years ago. During that time, Aiz was completely emotionless as she doesn't care about anything other than slaughtering monster.

Aiz: You shouldn't be like me.

Bell: T-That's not true!

Aiz then looked at Bell surprised.

Bell: You saved me! You're not the same as a monster! You were cool when you saved me! You were just like the adventurers that I read about in stories... You were beautiful... and you made me want to become an adventurer just like you! That's why I...

Bell then stopped for a moment. He finally realized that he had just said something embarrassing to Aiz and he was struggling to say his words and Aiz couldn't help but smile.

Aiz(mind): Just as I thought, he's similar... to the Aiz back then, who no longer exists...

By now, She was convinced that the white flames that she always saw from this boy are not an illusion. His pure white flame burned so brightly that it blinded her.

Sora: People will always have fear inside of them, including you, Aiz...

Both Aiz and Bell then looked over to Sora and Asuna who was smiling at them as they have been hearing their conversation from start to finish.

Sora: Is not like you can get rid of fear.

Aiz: Are you afraid of something too, Sora?

Sora: Yes... even someone like me have something that I'm afraid of...

Aiz: What would it be...?

Sora: I'm not quiet sure myself... I'm afraid of a lot of things... Like for example, losing the people I cherish.

Both Aiz and Bell looked at Sora surprised as Sora gave them a bitter smile and Asuna could only shadow her eyes feeling down as well. Bell know that Sora had lost his former Familia member, while Aiz know that he lost his Father, Mother and Little Sister just like she was.

Sora: But, its our choice whether we decided to face that fear and overcome it. That's what makes us stronger. And when you knew that you couldn't stand any longer, we have people right by our side, lending their strength to us. It's about reaching for it and winning it.

Bell: Win it?

Sora: Yeah, there are more than multiple ways to gain strength and to become strong. If there are only two options, then we'll create a third one. We change the impossible into possible. We'd smash the balance scale on the floor.

Bell and Aiz:...

Sora: People who can overcome those scales, can truly gain strength. While the Gods will call it a Hero.

Both Bell and Aiz looked at Sora completely and utterly shocked, while Asuna just smile at him. Bell longest desire is to become a Hero.  A hero who could defeat any monster... A hero who could make everyone happy... No more tragedies. A hero who could save everyone. That's the kind of hero Bell wanted to become. While Aiz got a bit conflicted when she heard the word Hero. Her goal is to become strong enough to defeat the One Eyed Black Dragon and take back her mother. Because her goal is revenge-driven and for her own sake, she considers herself unable to become a hero. Her desire for revenge stems from her traumatic experience with the One Eyed Black Dragon as a child, which also caused her to develop a great hatred for monsters. But when she looked at the boy with the blue eyes who had just given such advice her lip move into a genuine smile that no one had seen before.

Aiz(mind): I knew it. This person... Is just like you, Big Brother. I don't know if you are the same person, but if you are...

Aiz smile in all possibility that her older brother might still be alive. The older brother in Aiz's dream would always comfort her every time she would feel sad. Aiz would always cling on to him if she was scared. No matter if there was something she couldn't do, she would always came to him. And it was the same with Sora, he was comforting her every time she was feeling down, the time when they were on the 37th floor before she fought Udaeus, and right now.

Aiz: Thank you...

Sora: Well... How about we continue the training...?

Bell: Got it!

Aiz: Understood...

Asuna: Right...

They all resume their training together, with Aiz and Bell sparring again with one another. And while they were sparring, Aiz and Asuna noticed that Bell was improving and moving forwards and he was careful about his timing in countering their attack. Aiz was happy that she was able to teach him properly that her joy was so great she lost control and attack Bell with everything she's got.

Bell: Gah...

Asuna: Aiz... You hit him to hard.

Aiz: Oops... I did it again...

Aiz then realized that Bell had passed out. She then took a knee beside Bell, still sprawled face up on his back. Until she start a feeling of deja vu.

Aiz: This is... The same situation as the time I gave him a lap pillow on the 5th floor!

Aiz said that out loud as she seems to forget that both Sora and Asuna were watching her from behind. Both of them were trying their best to hold their laugh as Asuna had told Sora what happened to Aiz when Bell ran away. Aiz was being teased by both Riveria and Asuna.

(Flashback)

Asuna: That's weird... I think its how you did it, Aiz~

Riveria: Yeah... Normally men enjoys being given one~

(Present)

Aiz(mind): It's time for revenge!

Slowly but surely, Aiz sat down and and started giving Bell a lap pillow while stroking his hair as she completely forgotten that she was not alone as both Sora and Asuna were watching them this whole time.

Sora: It seems that she forget that we're even here.

Asuna: Pufufu... Looks like it...

Aiz was blushing , embarrassment she was unaccustomed to washed over her.

Aiz(mind): It strange... I feel like my soul's being cleansed. His pureness is conveying itself towards me...

Bell started to stir awake and when he realized that he was given a lap pillow, his was turned red crimson as he back down a bit.

Bell: WAIT, WHAT?! Huh?! Huh?! Why did you gave me a lap pillow?!

Aiz(mind): Am I really as bad at this as Riveria said...?

Bell too was to focused on Aiz as he had also forgotten that Sora and Asuna were watching as the two of them were having trouble holding their laugh. Aiz couldn't tell him that she was bitter about losing to Riveria and Asuna and want to even the score.

Asuna: Kukuku...

Sora(whisper): No... Hold that laugh. This is to good!

Aiz: Because... You'd recover faster if I gave you one...?

Aiz struggle to throw an excuse. Her response was met with a suitable suspicious look from Bell.

Aiz: I'm sorry, It's actually because I wanted to give you one...

Bell: MISS AIZ IS A NATURAL AIRHEAD!!! MISS AIZ IS A NATURAL AIRHEAD!!! MISS AIZ IS A NATURAL AIRHEAD!!!

After hearing her true intention, Bell's face turned bright red. Aiz cocked her head to the side as she watched Bell struggle with waved of emotional turmoil, warning himself to not misunderstand as he continue to repeat the same word over and over again. Seeing his behavior, Aiz asked tentatively.

Aiz: Did you, not like it?

Bell: WHAT?!?!

Bell head shot right up. Next thing she knew, his already flustered again and his face grew darker as his hands leaped up frantically denial.

Bell: It's not that I didn't like it, I mean it's like an additional benefit... No wait, that was a lie! It's not what it sounds like! I'm happy about it but not in a weird way!

Aiz: So you want me to give you one?

Bell: H-How should I put it, I want you to give me one, but... it's kind of pitiful and embarrassing. I guess I have no choice but to accept it while I'm unconscious...

Aiz then gave Bell a look.

Aiz: So you're fine with it as long as you're unconscious.

Bell: Miss Aiz?! What's with that strange glint in your eyes?!

Aiz: Your just imagining things...

Aiz have completely forgotten her original purpose in training. Her spirit was unwilling to yield to Riveria and Asuna's evaluation, but more important, as a wish to hold the white rabbit in her lap once more bloomed inside. Her heart would be soothed and she would ruffled his soft hair. Until Bell said something that make Aiz froze.

Bell: Wait, what about Sora and Miss Asuna?!

Bell said in a panicked as he looked behind Aiz as Sora and Asuna were grinning on them. Aiz completely froze as her real goal of revenge on Riveria and Asuna were completely exposed by the very person it self. Aiz face started getting redder by the second as she looked at both Sora and Asuna who were trying to hold their laughter couldn't contain it any longer as they let it all out.

Sora and Asuna: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sora: Did you hear that?! She said she wanted revenge on you!!

Asuna: I know right! She just couldn't let it go by getting teased by me!!

Aiz: AAAAA!!! ASUNAAAAAAA!!!!

Aiz then went after Asuna and she ran away from Aiz while still laughing her heart out and thus that concludes on their training for today as Aiz couldn't contain her embarrassment any longer.

(Timeskip)

It was evening and Aiz, Asuna, and Lefiya were at the dungeon 5th floor to have their training together.

Lefiya: I'm looking forwards to training you, Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna!

Asuna: Kukuku... It's fine...

Asuna was still laughing and Aiz was still looking at Asuna blushing harder than they have ever seen and Lefiya looked confused.

Lefiya: Did something happened between the two of you?

Asuna: Well actually...

Aiz: AAAA!!! DON'T SAY A WORD!!!!

Aiz said while hitting Asuna relentlessly as Asuna continue to laugh.

Asuna: Okay, how about we start training Lefiya. Since you're a rearguard mage that use magic that decide the outcome of the battles, let's practice concurrent chanting.

Lefiya: Concurrent chanting like you Miss Asuna?

Asuna: Well, yes and no. I'm a mage who also a fought in the vanguard, not the rear. Those in the vanguard have an easier time learning concurrent chanting. Depending on the scale of the magic being cast, its magic power become difficult to control. So instead of defending, I want you to try to avoid it first.

Lefiya: I see...

Asuna: Now then, it won't do us any good to just talk. Aiz can you?

Aiz: Alright...

Both Aiz and Lefiya got into stance and Asuna was the spectator so she could give instruction to Lefiya.

Asuna: Although, I said that you should stop defending, you should at least learn a bare minimum of self defense!

Lefiya: Right! Please begin!

As Lefiya was about to start her chant, Aiz was already in front of her and Aiz thrust her sword completely blowing Lefiya away.

Lefiya: Gyah!

Aiz: Lefiya?! I'm really sorry... I used the same amount of strength as when I was training that boy...

Lefiya who was on the ground quickly stood up when Aiz was using the same strength as the white hair boy.

Lefiya: I-I'm fine, so please! Come at me with that much power!

Aiz: O-Okay...

Asuna: Lefiya, what you need is confident. The moment that something or someone got to close to you, you hesitate for a moment. That's what you are lacking.

Lefiya: R-Right!

Lefiya continue to try to start concurrent chanting. But she couldn't make any progress during the first day.

Asuna: Well... take your time, Lefiya. It took me lots of time to master concurrent chanting. Riveria too...

Lefiya: Miss Aiz, Miss Asuna... How is that human doing?

Aiz and Asuna looked at each other and smile at Lefiya.

Aiz: He's really serious, tries really hard, is really honest, and grows really fast.

Asuna: Sora said that he will become one of the adventurers that can surpassed him someday. So yes, he has potential.

Hearing this, Lefiya's hand hit the floor with a mighty slap.

Aiz and Asuna:?!

The impact and power of a Level 3 left a crack in the dungeon floor and rising wisp of smoke. Lefiya's body began to shake. Her despair had reached it's peak.

Lefiya(mind): I couldn't do a single thing. That's why, I'll acknowledge you... White hair human... While you're probably level 1 and I'm a Level 3, starting today you're going to be my rival!

Fiery heat engulfed her body. The relentless waves boiling-hot rage only further fostered the uncontrollable trembling in every muscle. This was at that moment that the boy had become Lefiya's rival. Roaring from the depth of her lungs, she flung herself to her feet. Her eyes, narrowed, displaying a mettle not present during her training with Riveria, shining with an overpowering determination that seemed enough to pierced the dungeon wall

Lefiya: I can still go on! Please continue!

Aiz and Asuna stared at the girl for a moment in wide-eyed amazement before finally smiling. With a nod, Aiz readied her scabbard, and Lefiya's concurrent chanting practice began anew. Refusing to shrink back from attack after attack, Lefiya continued her song and chants, blue eyes blazing all the while.

Lefiya(mind): I definitely won't lose to you! And most of all, to myself as well.