Kiana's Sword-Heart Art advanced at lightning speed; in barely half a day she was on the verge of stepping into the Taixu realm.
By now the Training Ground was packed with Cloud Knights, every last one of them riveted to the two blurs that flashed across the arena.
Smack—boom-boom—thud!
Apart from the knights' breathing, only the ceaseless thrum of fists and palms meeting air filled the space.
At first Kiana's movements were stiff and uncoordinated; Fu Hua sent her flying time after time.
Later Kiana began copying Fu Hua's motions, her own strikes growing smoother by the minute.
Now, with her supple body and steadily honed skill, she could trade blows with Fu Hua without instantly losing ground.
The Cloud Knights were awestruck by Fu Hua's consummate martial prowess and secretly tried to learn by watching; Fu Hua hid nothing—how much they could absorb was up to them.
At first the knights had assumed Fu Hua was their marshal, but after Kiana's explanation they realized it was only a look-alike.
Yet that did nothing to diminish the reverence they felt for her.
Combined with her aura so like the marshal's, her peerless skill, and a host of other reasons—
—some even dared to guess that she might be Warahip's Sword Champion!
It was a conclusion drawn by battle-hardened Cloud Knights who sensed the unyielding sword-intent still keen beneath her scar-riddled frame.
Thud—!
The white and grey figures crossed one last time; the white silhouette was hurled back, yet mid-air she righted herself and landed steady.
A bead of fragrant sweat slid down Kiana's temple, her eyes curved in crescents as a satisfied, delighted smile lit her face.
'Heh, with pure technique I really can't find a way to beat you, A Hua.'
Fist answered fist, heart answered heart—Kiana felt she and Fu Hua were already the best of friends.
Hearing the nickname, Fu Hua's ready stance faltered for an instant; she relaxed and turned to Kiana.
'You've improved fast. Given time, surpassing me won't be hard.'
A faint smile touched Fu Hua's lips, her eyes growing ever fonder as she looked at Kiana.
And for some reason the invisible weight on her shoulders felt a fraction lighter.
For the first time in ages, Fu Hua felt light-hearted.
From Kiana's fists she sensed the girl's unyielding heart and the will to protect something—
—utterly at odds with the reckless, carefree image Kiana usually wore.
Thus she fully accepted Kiana—to hell with that cuckold turtle Otto's mission!
Otto? Never heard of him. Taiyin General was her sister-in-arms and student both!
'Hehe, it's all thanks to your teaching, A Hua. With the flowery stuff my old man taught me I'd never have touched the hem of your robe.'
Kiana stepped up and linked arms with her, smiling sweetly.
To this sudden closeness Fu Hua responded only with the fond pride of a senior for a gifted junior.
'Let's rest a bit first, Kiana. Then we'll continue.'
'Got it, A Hua~!'
Kiana brushed her cheek against Fu Hua's, then bared her teeth at the surrounding Cloud Knights who were happily watching the show.
'Why aren't you training? What are you all gawking at?'
'General, we request—uh—Miss Fu Hua to instruct us. It would raise the strength of us Warahip Cloud Knights.'
A squad captain stepped forward and spoke respectfully to Kiana.
Seeing his earnest tone, Kiana realized they truly hoped for Fu Hua's guidance.
Besides, Warahip didn't have many troops; improving quality where quantity was lacking was a sound plan.
It would also make Warahip safer.
Kiana looked to Fu Hua with a questioning gaze.
Fu Hua glanced around; every knight gazed at her with fervent hope, awaiting her answer.
'Very well.'
After brief thought she nodded.
Though her body was already riddled with wounds, merely training soldiers posed no strain.
The knights cheered; Kiana covered her ears, the corners of her mouth drooping.
Hey, I'm the general here! None of you asked me to drill you! I'm remembering this!
She grumbled inwardly.
At that moment a chat screen popped up before her.
[Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Workhorse: @Kiana, sis, what are you up to? Little Moonlight's debut match is about to start!]
[Kiana: Coming, coming. Why isn't the stream on?]
[Goddess of Moonlight: Starting now, I just forgot.]
A live window appeared in the chat; a horse-eared girl nearly identical to Kiana waved at the camera.
'Hi~ everyone~'
[Magical Girl: She looks way more mature than me, even though we're both Kiana.]
'Eh, I just got a great idea.'
Kiana's gaze flicked between Goddess of Moonlight and Fu Hua, a wicked grin forming.
She could swap while Goddess wasn't paying attention—no, too underhanded, too inhuman!
[Kiana: @Goddess of Moonlight, pleeease let me handle your debut match! It's my one and only wish!]
[Goddess of Moonlight: You… I… but…]
[Kiana: I'll give you a perfect start! Pretty please! QAQ]
[Goddess of Moonlight: All right… since you put it that way…]
[Kiana: Yay! Love you~]
'Hmph… ω'
Kiana instantly sent a body-swap request.
On the other side Goddess of Moonlight yelped at the sudden pop-up, ears and Tail fur bristling.
'Eek! What's that!'
Reflexively she tapped the swap request.
Though she'd agreed, the box still startled her.
The world spun; when it steadied, the scenery had changed.
'So… this is where the Group Owner lives…'
Now inside Kiana's body, Goddess of Moonlight pressed a hand to her chest, looking scared.
Deep in the body's subconscious the queen opened her eyes, frowning at the outside.
'Rong… Kiana's aura has changed.'
The queen was certain whoever now held the body was not Kiana.
She faded from the spot—she would see which wretch dared covet Kiana's flesh!
She wasn't the only one to notice; Fu Hua, mid-lesson, suddenly sensed the shift in Kiana's presence.
Yet… it still felt like Kiana…?
There was an indescribable discord.
Fu Hua told the knights to train on their own and walked toward Goddess of Moonlight.
'Kiana, if you've rested enough, let's move to the next step.'
Her gaze sharpened as she studied Goddess of Moonlight's evasive eyes.
'H-hi… eep…!'
Startled by Fu Hua's pressure, Goddess of Moonlight stiffened, tears at the corners of her eyes.
Without warning Fu Hua struck, palm flashing toward her.
She had to test whether the Second Herrscher's consciousness had awakened!
Meanwhile the real Kiana, inside Goddess of Moonlight's body, waved at the camera.
'Hi~ all you adorable and handsome Kianas~'
She flashed aV-sign and gave a playful wink.
[Senju Kiana: Something feels… off.]
[Gojo Kiana: That tone, that vibe…]
[Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Workhorse: Must be the Group Owner's buddy—they've already swapped, haven't they?]