With the sun rising, Eren and Shion were already on the Association's training grounds.
The usual routine was now in a shared space with other mercenaries, each one doing their own morning exercises.
Many races, not just humans, were trying to improve.
And a welcomed change, people was actually sparring in the arena.
The Association provided every kind of weapon type, made out of wood, to avoid major injuries.
Shion was clearly excited from their arrival, watching carefully every duel the mercenaries had.
"You saw that?" Was a phrase that came out several times during their training.
Eren was starting to take a like to watch the sparring, but also couldn't understand how she was that excited.
Finally, they finished doing their swings.
"Are we done?" Eren asked.
Shion didn't reply immediately.
"Want to try a duel?" Shion suggested.
Eren was apprehensive about the idea, too many eyes around.
"Will be just like the training in the woods" Shion said walking towards the weapons racks.
Eren's opinion seemed to matter too little this time, the choice was made for her.
She walked up to the racks and took a sword, to face Shion's great sword.
The size and the reach was intimidating.
Eren doubted for a second about her choice, lifting a great sword to use it.
She couldn't lift it, not even with both hands.
"They have a heavy metal core, lass" Another adventurer pointed out.
She gave up on the idea of using a great sword, and went back for the original sword she picked up.
"Seems unfair, you know?" Eren complained.
Shion was swinging her great sword like it was nothing.
"I'll tell you something" She said smoothly "I'll give you 2 minutes to attack. I'll parry whatever you throw at me. If I fail to parry a single attack, you win"
Eren was thoughtful for a moment "What if the 2 minutes pass and I can't make it?"
"I'll start a counter attack, then if I touch you, I win. Still, if you can hit me, you win"
Eren was decided and had a plan in mind.
Both of them went to the middle of the arena. Took defensive postures.
Eren's stance was disciplined—clean, structured. Anyone with experience could see she had guard training.
But the curious eyes were on Shion.
Her posture was too loose, many openings, almost careless, like inviting Eren to attack.
Eren stared at Shion for a few seconds, before jumping to attack.
A thrust.
A low cut.
A sweep toward the ribs.
Each strike met wood with precise timing. Shion parried everything, barely shifting her feet.
It was like she saw what Eren was about to do just seconds before she even did it.
Eren started chaining her attacks.
Combinations.
New angles of attack.
Nothing seemed to work.
Minute and a half has passed, nearing the end of courtesy time.
Then, Eren lunged wide.
Too wide.
Shion saw the sword, but didn't bother to block.
Eren pivoted on her foot and tried to hit Shion in the jaw with the pummel.
Smart.
Shion had barely any time to react, stepping back just in time.
"I win" Eren said.
"You haven't touched me"
Shion paused.
"But you didn't parry, you dodged"
Shion scratched her head. It was a technicality, but it checked out.
She didn't parry the attack, technically.
"Alright, you got me there" Shion accepted her defeat. Her expression a bit annoyed.
She made the rules and had to accept them.
"Those great swords are heavy" A Beastfolk pointed out, studying Shion "Are you able to swing that?"
He was tall — a lizard-man with blue scales and burning orange eyes. Small fangs lined his mouth when he spoke. His muscular torso was covered in chainmail, but his long tail was left exposed, thick with plated scales.
"I use one myself" She replied calmly.
"Would you mind a friendly duel?" He invited her "No courtesy time needed"
The idea of having a duel with someone new made her excited.
Eren stepped out of the arena as the Beastfolk approached the racks. He picked up two axes, gripping them high, near the heads. The pommels extended below his fists.
They both adopted their stances.
Shion stood loose. Open.
The Beastfolk just crouched a little, holding the axes on the sides near his torso, like a feline preparing to pounce.
Then they moved.
At the same time.
He struck first. His tail whipping forward, snapping toward her at a safe distance.
Shion blocks with the blunt of her great sword, deflecting it over her head.
She keeps rushing towards him.
He spun. Steel flashed. The wind of the blades brushed her nose. Too close.
She stepped back to reset, but he pressed forward immediately, axes flashing again.
Wood struck wood.
Blocked.
She caught both axes and, with an upward motion, drove them apart.
His guard split open.
There it is.
She tackles him, launching him back.
His tail cracked against her arm. The impact stung — but she held her ground.
Not enough to make her flinch.
He regained his footing fast, only to find Shion on his face.
Her sword stopped at his temple.
Silence.
"I lost" He said quietly, letting the axes drop.
The training grounds erupted in applause.
"You're a tough one lass" He said, offering a nod "Name's Bhaox"
"Shion" She replied "That was a nice duel"
She extended her hand.
He shook it firmly.
Eren watched, stunned.
Across the yard, a group of new recruits wore the same expression.
"It was an interesting form of combat" Bhaox pointed out "Many openings, but you have quick reflexes. Risky, but seems to work out for you"
Eren got closer to Shion.
"That was amazing, why you didn't duel me like that?" She complained lightly.
"Thank you, Bhaox. I appreciate the duel — and the feedback." Shion gave him a small bow in return. "If I may offer advice… your combinations were strong, but too aggressive. You didn't give yourself time to evaluate. And the spin, it costs you sight of your opponent"
haox inclined his head in acknowledgment. Then he returned the axes and left the training grounds.
"I told you. We need to make you flow more in battle. That's what training is for" Shion replied to Eren.
Eren was still replaying the fight in her mind.
She tried to form a response, but she couldn't.
Shion was right, if she tried to fight Bhaox she wouldn't probably last that long.
If Shion had fought her seriously… the result would have been the same.
She understood what Shion meant now.
She simply nodded.