From Real to Realm

Together, Val and Amarisse continued to train until the light slowly faded. As soon as the sun slipped behind the guildhall, they both stopped.

“I think it’s too dark to continue,” Amarisse said, panting.

Val nodded. “I think you’re right. Even with the lights, I can barely see anything.”

Both of them walked over to the rack of weapons, placing theirs back.

“Do you regret choosing to do this?” Amarisse asked, not quite meeting Val’s gaze. “I mean, after everything that happened.”

Val started walking back toward their table as she considered what Amarisse was asking.

Only after sitting down did she finally answer. “Yes and no.”

Amarisse tilted her head, ears bouncing from the movement. “Do you mind explaining?”

Val nodded. “I will, for both. Yes, I do regret it. That is because I’ve been able to see what it’s put my family through. They knew before I did just how dangerous it could be.” She leaned back against the table. “And I repaid that worry by walking out without talking to them. I tried to sneak out one morning, only to be caught by them.”

Amarisse sat down next to Val. “I didn’t know that happened.”

“I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want to worry you guys. We were about to go into the dungeon, and I wanted everyone to stay focused.” Val said, sighing. “Anyway, after all of that, I bumped into Elza and thought I was just too fucking lucky to find someone like her. We needed a fifth person, and here she was. Not only did she fill our slot, but she also helped me out with housing.”

Amarisse sat still, just listening to Val talk.

“Then she died. Mina almost died. Hell, I almost died.” Val said, sitting forward finally. “The dungeon chewed me up and spit me back out. There are some days I feel like it’s just fucking laughing at me. ‘Oh, you thought I’d just let you do what you want? Fuck you.” She said mockingly, miming the dungeon.

“Val, we all agreed to go down there,” Amarisse said, placing a hand on her forearm. “Don’t blame yourself.”

Val sighed, staring at the ground. “I try not to. I really do, but it is my fault. I found Elza, and I introduced her to the group. Without her, we would never have gone into the dungeon that day. Maybe we never run into that mimic.”

Amarisse opened her mouth, but Val cut her off.

“I know, I know, okay? Maybe I’m just overthinking everything. No point in asking ‘what if’, right?”

“You’ve been holding onto this since everything happened?” Amarisse asked. “Have you tried talking to anyone else?”

Val chuckled. “I did. I went home not long ago and talked to my sister. I was going to quit just like Lucia. Celestia, my sister, convinced me to keep trying. Then my parents walked in with all of this,” she said, motioning to her armor and weapon. “How could I give up if they were so determined to support me, even if they were worried about me? Even after everything I had done to them?”

Amarisse was smiling softly. “At least you’ve made up, right?”

Val nodded. “We did.”

“Well, then, why don’t you regret it?” Amarisse finally asked.

Val smiled. “I met you, Lucia, Mina, and Elza. I met Cyrus, Irina, Dolf, and Zennia. I met Siira. I’ve met so many people who not only want what I want, but work their asses off to get there.”

Amarisse tilted her head again. “Really? That’s the only reason?”

“Not at all,” Val said, shaking her head. “I was sick, remember? When I woke up, I was so frail that I could barely walk on my own. If you saw how I looked back then, you’d be shocked.” Val stood up. “My parents, gods love ‘em, still look at me as if I’m that same frail girl that just woke up. I don’t think they even realize they do it, but I can see it in their eyes. They each have little tells that give it away sometimes. My mother’s eyes linger for a few seconds too long, like she’s making sure I’m okay without verbally asking it. Celestia clings to my side even more than before, like she’s afraid I’d fall without her support.”

Val started pacing, trying to calm down. “Maxwell, his expression even to this day sometimes looks at me with something akin to pity, like he feels bad that I went through what I did. Then there’s my father. I think he realized a while ago that he still does it, but he rarely lets me out of his sight when we are together. It’s like he’s afraid if he looks away, I’ll collapse or faint or something.”

Amarisse let Val cool for a moment before speaking up. “I’m not sure I follow, Val.”

Val stopped her pacing, turning to Amarisse. “None of you looks at me like that. I’m not some frail girl who was in a coma to any of you. I’m a fighter, someone willing to put my life on the line to fight the dungeon. Some people look at me with pity after what we went through, but that look doesn’t last. I’m not some rare case; they understand that while I got knocked down, I’m not out of the fight.”

“But your family doesn’t treat you any differently, right?”

Val shrugged. “Not really, but like I said, they still worry. Everything is fine, or at least I think it is now. I’m sure there are things they’d want to say but don’t.” She sat down again. “I rushed into the dungeon and almost died because of it. Someone else did, and we almost lost Mina. I’m done being stupid and rushing headfirst into things. I’m going to be here every day working on myself. I can’t expect others not to worry if I’m not putting the effort in to get stronger.”

Amarisse smiled. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Val. It takes a lot for someone to admit they fucked up, but you’re not afraid to do so.” She stood up. “Only thing is, will you back up your words?”

After that, they each decided to head home for the night. It had been a while since Val really let everything out. She felt like the weight on her shoulders had lessened. Amarisse was still willing to stick together even after hearing Val out. Now it was time for Val to prove she’d back up her words.

Val fell into a rhythm after that day. She was even lucky enough to find a couple of books in the guild hall the next day that outlined different weapons and fighting styles. From that day forward, she’d wake up just after sunrise each morning. Lynesia would get up with her to have breakfast while Val took some time to read and study. Once they were finished with breakfast, Val would head out. Amarisse would then always meet her at the front gate of the guildhall.

For the first few days, they continued to work through the basics Siira taught them. It was mostly footwork and learning how to be quick on your feet. Each day, Val would work on a different stance, then transition into a different strike. It was killing Val not to do more, but she couldn’t get ahead of herself. Amarisse, for her part, didn’t push to do more either. They would always start with their foundation for the first hour. Once they were warmed up, they would move on to basic moves. Each day, they’d finish by sparring for the final few hours.

Some days, Lucia joined them, content to sit and watch. Most days, Lynesia joined them for lunch, ensuring they ate. Val enjoyed the company and support regardless of who it was.

One day, after stopping for a water break, Val spoke up. “Do you not want to move on to something else? Maybe something more advanced?”

Amarisse raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t need to work on the basics and foundation,” Val said, sighing. “You literally look like you’re going through the motions right now.”

“Technically, we both are going through the motions,” she said, smirking. “Anyway, I trained quite a bit before becoming an adventurer. But I’m not about to leave you behind. I’m doing this to help you.”

“Why are you halting your training just to help me?”

Amarisse shook her head. “Really? Why do you think?”

When Val didn’t reply, she sighed. “You’re my friend. Why the hell would I not want to help you get stronger?”

That was the last time Val asked such a stupid question.

Stormveil still hadn’t contacted them about filling in on a delve. Val felt it was because of how low-level they were. Amarisse, on the other hand, figured they just didn’t need them yet.

Before they knew it, the entire week had passed by. Val had read multiple books cover to cover in that time. While she was by no means a professional, she felt much more comfortable with her weapon. Throughout the entire week, she had learned each stance, each basic strike, and went beyond that to begin chaining attacks. She finally had a solid foundation, one she should’ve had before entering the dungeon.

“So, what do you want to do today?” Amarisse asked, stretching her limbs.

Val was also stretching. “I don’t know what else there is to do with the basics. I honestly wouldn’t mind working on learning a technique finally.”

Earlier in the week, Val suggested they take a few minutes to stretch. Each day since then, they took the time to limber up for the day-long training sessions.

Suddenly, someone spoke up from behind them. “Want me to see what progress you’ve made?”

Amarisse and Val turned only to see Siira standing there.

“Well, didn’t expect to see you again,” Val said, standing straight. “What brings you to the training grounds?”

Siira shrugged. “I was actually looking for the two of you. After helping you, I felt it would only be right to check in on your progress.”

Val glanced at Amarisse.

“I think that would be a good idea,” Amarisse said. “Val’s improved a lot.”

Siira smiled. “She was the only one who really needed the guidance. I’m glad you were able to continue her training where we left off.”

Val narrowed her eyes, glancing between the two of them. “Wait, what? You were only training me that one day? Amarisse didn’t need your help?”

Siira giggled. “Nope. I figured the two of you were going to train together each day. Only made sense to show her what you needed to do.”

Amarisse shrugged. “Told you I was only going through the motions to help you.” She turned to Siira. “I’ll let Val show you her progress. I’ve got something to do real quick.”

Siira turned to Val. “Well then, what are you waiting for? Start with what you normally do.”

Val grabbed her halberd. “Alright, I can do that.”

Siira followed her over to the spot they normally trained in. The grass had been stamped down from the repetition each day. It was proof of Val’s determination to get better, to do better. Slowly, she placed each foot in the same spot as before. Val stood there for a moment, breathing slowly.

Alright. The basics, foundation, and footwork. Slow but steady.

She closed her eyes.

Val planted her right foot forward, hips turned slightly left. Her front foot angled just a touch in the same direction as she sank into her stance. Her right hand slid along the haft of her weapon; it was smooth with just a hint of coarseness beneath her fingers. Her lead hand stopped just beyond the middle toward the head, while her left hand stopped just short of the butt. The weapon angled out across her body, its spike hovering over an invisible opponent’s throat.

“You look more comfortable handling your weapon now,” Siira said, walking around.

Val could tell Siira was moving by the way her voice moved with her.

“I’ve done some reading,” Val said, finally opening her eyes. “I was surprised to find some good books to help teach me.”

Val sank lower into her stance before snapping forward with a thrust, aiming for the center of an invisible chest. She didn’t stop there. As the point reached full extension, she turned her hips farther and rolled the halberd in her hands, dragging the blade up in a rising strike. Her lead foot slid back to its starting line as the cut finished, then she drove it forward in a sharp stomp, bringing the weapon down in an overhand thrust to end the chain.

“Wow, looking much more confident,” Siira said, eying Val. “You had a decent grasp when I left earlier in the week, but now?”

Val smiled to herself. “It’s only been a week. I’m no pro, but I feel a lot better now.”

Siira nodded. “I didn’t even show you the overhand thrust. You must’ve learned that from reading?”

Val nodded, relaxing finally, letting the halberd rest against her shoulder. “I did. There were a few books that went more in-depth than I expected. That and I’ve been training with Amarisse, so I’ve got a better feel for how the weapon feels in my hands.”

“What’s the next step then?” Siira asked, sitting on the table nearby. “You can’t stop at the basics, not if you want to become stronger.”

Val shook her head. “Not stopping at all. I plan on working more on chaining attacks. I want to test myself, see what I can do with this weapon. To be honest, I could just take the easier route and go with a sword.” She looked at the halberd head. “But something about this weapon sings to me.”

“Hey now, swords aren’t exactly easy,” Siira said, rolling her eyes. “They take time to learn.”

Val chuckled. “Any weapon capable of ending life takes time to learn. A halberd, though. It feels more complicated than a sword to me.”

“What class are you?” Siira finally asked.

Val raised an eyebrow. “Hybrid, you?”

“Striker, hence the dual hooked blades,” Siira said, pulling the blades free. “Hybrid with a halberd, not exactly a bad choice. Do you know which other class you want to implement into your style?”

Val tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Siira giggled. “You don’t know how your class works? Really?”

Val blushed, rubbing the back of her neck. “I didn’t really do too much research on the classes. I gave it some thought, but probably not as much as I should’ve.”

Siira shrugged. “Hybrids usually take aspects from other classes. You’re considered a hybrid because you don’t fight one specific way. For example, let’s say you lean Tank? You could be a bulwark for your party. Most Tanks might stand there taking hits to give their party openings. You, on the other hand, stand firm using your halberd to dictate the flow of combat around you.”

Val thought about that for a moment.

“On another note, say you want to lean more toward Breaker,” Siira said, waving her hand. “You use your weapon to create openings and then devastate anything dumb enough to get caught. See what I mean? Hybrids don’t stick to one fighting style; they always come up with their own.”

“How many styles do most Hybrids use?” Val asked.

Siira shrugged again. “It varies from Hybrid to Hybrid. Some use a couple, others might use numerous. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a Hybrid out there using Channeler tendencies and magic.”

Val was deep in thought about what Siira just said.

What other classes did I want to lean toward? There’s no limit, but how do I decide what to do? Maybe I should try to stick to two at most. Tank maybe? Nah, I don’t like being stuck in one spot like that.

“Val? Are you okay?” Siira asked, head tilted.

Val nodded. “I’m good, just thinking about what other class or classes I might lean toward.”

“I always thought you acted like a Brawler,” Amarisse said, walking up to them. “Ever since you almost got into a fight with Barrett the first day we met you.”

Siira raised an eyebrow. “You almost got into a fight your first day at the guild?”

Val chuckled, but Amarisse cut her off.

“Yeah, she did. Dude was being a total creep with our friend, Lucia. Val stepped in, got nose to nose with him,” Amarisse said, elbowing Val. “They stared each other down for a few seconds before he backed off. Didn’t help that the poor guy had to look up just to make eye contact with her.”

Siira giggled. “Talk about an entrance.”

Amarisse nodded. “Definitely caught our attention. That was our first time meeting. After that, we offered Val the option to join our group.”

“Been together since?” Siira asked.

Val nodded. “We have, but now there’s just the two of us. Lucia and Mina are still around, but as of right now, we’re the only ones still fighting the dungeon.”

Amarisse nodded softly. “Hopefully Mina wants to keep fighting, but we don’t know.”

Silence hung over them for a few seconds.

“Well, what’s next for you two?”

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