"Was I able to dodge in time from that moment? Was the presence I felt just now just my imagination...?"

Alicia mutters something under her breath while cold sweat drips down her forehead.

However, I didn't have the luxury to pay attention to her like that right now.

After all―

(I never thought I'd get muscle soreness at a time like this...)

In the unexpected turn of events I hadn't anticipated, I was quite bewildered.

In the 1000 years spent in the interstice of time and space, this has never happened even once, so why now―

"In the [Time-Space Interval], the flow of time is altered, so you don't age, and no matter how much damage or fatigue you experience internally, you recover instantly. There, you can train until you are satisfied, Yuuri-san."

―Suddenly, Aristia's words crossed my mind.

She certainly said that in the [Time-Space Interval], I don't age, and damage heals instantly.

In fact, I never once experienced muscle soreness at that place.

However, now that I have stepped outside the[Time-Space Interval], I probably can no longer escape those symptoms.

Anyway, given the circumstances, this muscle soreness must be a reaction to defeating the slime yesterday.

Since it was my first time hunting a monster, I was super pumped up―

"It seems that this opening isn't an act!"

"Oops..."

―As I sink into a sea of thoughts on the spot, Alicia swings her wooden sword powerfully towards me.

Even though I reflexively dodged, I still felt pain, probably due to the muscle soreness.

(That's right, we're in a mock battle right now. I'll think about it later.)

The problem is how much to increase the output.

Even though I have pain, I think if I put my full effort into it, I can move seriously.

However, if I do that, the muscle pain will only get worse.

It can't be helped.

I should move my body within a range where no pain occurs.

Besides, this is by no means a bad thing for me.

"Hah! Hah! Hah!"

"..."

Even though my body is restricted, I evade Alicia's attacks with minimal movement.

What is needed for that are delicate body movements and the observational skills to read the opponent's actions.

Neither of those experiences could be gained in the [Time-Space Interval] where I was just mindlessly swinging my sword.

The purpose of this mock battle is not to defeat Alicia.

Accumulating the practical experience that I haven't been able to gain so far.

If I take that into consideration, it might actually be the best possible deal.

"If that's decided―"

For a while after that, I continued to dodge Alicia's attacks―

"Well then, shall we wrap things up around here?"

How much time has passed?

With Alicia's words, the mock battle came to an end.

"Is it already over?"

"Already... It's been 30 minutes already, hasn't it? That's actually quite long for a mock battle."

Is that so?

I was under the impression that it would go on non-stop for about a week.

Is this what they call a generation gap...?

Well, anyway, that kind of joking doesn't matter.

It seems that my current efforts have been quite effective for me, and I felt a nice sense of my nerves being sharpened.

Since I felt that I was growing, it's a bit disappointing to end it here.

When I told Alicia about it, she smiled gently and replied.

"Please don't worry, Yuuri-san. I plan to continue my rehabilitation for a while longer, so I'll be available during that time."

"Really? That would be quite helpful."

"...Besides, the presence I felt at the beginning of the mock battle might have been a misunderstanding. I want to confirm it a bit more."

"Alicia? Did you say something?"

"N-no, it's nothing. We owe you a debt of gratitude as well, so if you are happy, that is more than enough for us."

Fortunately, it seems I can continue training with Alicia for a while longer.

I hope to use this opportunity for further growth.

As I was thinking about such things, Monica and Tio had approached as they had been observing our mock battle.

"Good job, Yuuri."

"Ah, thank you. How did my moves look from Monica's perspective?"

"I don't really understand swordsmen. It's just that..."

"Just?"

"...No, it's nothing. For now, just do your best."

"Ah, ah. I'll do my best."

I don't really understand, but it seems like I still have a long way to go.

Then, Tio continues to speak to me.

"You don't have to take everything that kid says seriously. She's really careless about everything except magic."

"Hmph, Tio, how rude. Even though your chest is smaller than mine."

"Wh-what!? Th-that has nothing to do with this right now, does it!? Besides, you took some of my experimental materials from my room again the other day, didn't you!? I won't let you get away with it today!"

"...Well then, Yuuri."

"Wait!"

Monica escaped at a speed unimaginable for a magician, and Tio was chasing after her.

Yeah, how should I put it...

"It's a close-knit party, huh?"

"Ah, ahaha. I'm sorry for showing you something strange."

Alicia scratched her cheek and said awkwardly.

She had an air of someone who seemed to be struggling with the burdens of leadership.

And then, at that moment.

"What, what? Everyone, what on earth are you all making such a fuss about?"

A new voice echoed through the garden, so Alicia and I turned our gaze in that direction.

Then, there stood a girl with a striking red ponytail, her appearance still retaining a hint of cuteness, yet with a strong gaze.

The heavy armor and the oversized sword she carries on her back are distinctive features.

Looking at the girl, Alicia slightly raised her eyebrows.

"Ceres, where have you been? I thought you were resting inside the house."

"Hmm? Oh, I just went into the forest to hunt some monsters."

"What are you thinking!? You took the most damage in the Sky Dragon battle!?"

"Well, well, it'll get better if I just move around a bit. But more importantly, who is that guy over there?"

The eyes of the girl called Ceres pierce through me.

"He's Yuuri."

"Yuuri? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before..."

"We just talked about this yesterday. I'm sorry, Yuuri-san, but she is Ceres Summer. She is the last member of the [Four Symbols of the Fine Weather]."

It was something I could have predicted, but it seems to be true after all.

After showing a moment of contemplation upon hearing Alicia's words, she claps her hands and exclaims, "Ah!"

"You're the one who might have defeated the Sky Dragon without using magic, right? So, how did it actually go?"

"Unfortunately, it seems to be different."

"Even though it's different, why did you bring him here?"

"As an apology for doubting him and as a thank you for helping Monica, we have decided to give him special training."

"Hmm, I see."

Ceres approaches me, staring intently, as if trying to decide whether she is convinced or not.

And then,

"From the looks of it, you don't seem to be training much... Well, good luck!"

"...!?"

She firmly hit my back just like that.

It wasn't like a significant amount of force was applied, and certainly not with any hostility.

However, it was a huge blow for me since I'm currently experiencing muscle pain.

Seeing me trembling and desperately enduring the pain, Alicia and Ceres change their expressions.

"Yuuri-san! Are you okay!?"

"Huh!? I-I'm s-sorry! I didn't think it would hurt that much."

"I-it's okay. Don't worry about it."

In the end, despite receiving an unexpected baptism, my first interaction with the [Four Symbols of the Fine Weather] comes to an end.

And from now on, I will be accompanied in training for a while.

Chapter 19: The Last Members of the Party