Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Chapter 12: Chapter 11- Training(2)

Chapter 12: Chapter 11- Training(2)

Standing in the middle of the training ground, Austin faced his fiancée, who was currently performing the role of a trainer.

Holding his daggers, he drew a sharp breath.

Since using Soul Shards in regular training is not allowed, Austin brought his personal training dagger which surely was sharp enough to cut.

"Are you sure about this?" Austin asked, for the final time.

Valerie calmly nodded and remained nonchalant about this little spar.

'So be it...'

Austin lunged forward, dagger flashing in his grip as he aimed for Valarie's side. His movements were swift and precise—each step fueled by his training and knowledge of close combat. Yet, Valarie was faster.

With a fluid motion, she sidestepped his thrust, her body weaving just out of reach. Austin pivoted instantly, slashing upward in a seamless follow-up, but Valarie tilted her head back, letting the blade slice through the air inches from her face.

Austin didn't let up. He stepped in close, feinting low before driving the dagger toward her chest in a sharp thrust. Valarie's hand shot up, catching his wrist mid-motion. With a sharp twist, she forced his arm to the side, but he was already spinning, using the momentum to bring the blade slashing toward her ribs.

Valarie leaned back, the blade slicing harmlessly past her, then stepped into his guard. Her hand shot forward, fingers closing around his forearm like a vice, halting his next attack before it even began.

"You're predictable," she said, her tone calm, almost teasing.

Frustrated, Austin tightened his grip and shifted tactics. Feinting a low stab, he quickly redirected the blade toward her shoulder. Valarie's hand shot out, palm open, and redirected his wrist with a sharp push, forcing him off balance.

Before he could recover, she closed the distance, her footwork impeccable, and tapped his wrist lightly, disarming him with effortless precision.

His dagger clattered to the ground, but Austin wasn't done. He lashed out with his fists, launching a quick jab aimed at her chest. Valarie parried with her forearm, redirecting the force harmlessly to the side.

Once she returned, Austin took a few mouthfuls of water.

Once he was done, he asked her, "So? What do I need to work on? And please, be as blunt as you can."

Valerie remained silent for a moment, hesitating, but then she decided it would be unfair to tell him the half-truth, "My lord, your movements and techniques are top-notch...what you lack are speed and precision. You were moving too slowly earlier for a close-combat warrior. First, we need to work on that."

Austin nodded, "So stamina and speed training along with aiming and combat training. Hmm...it's like I need to start from zero."

Valerie panicked, seeing her lord's shoulder slumping as she hurriedly added, "Ahh..but on the bright side, you realize your mistakes early, and there are still three months for the tournament. If you prepare accordingly then you surely can aim for a spot."

Austin smiled in defeat as he said, "You still believe I can participate in that tournament where the top five students from the academy are chosen?"

Valerie confidently nodded, "I have seen my lord from close, and I can say confidently that no one works as hard as you when it comes to self-improvement."

She wasn't speaking those words out of her fondness towards Austin. The blond Prince indeed has developed his skills and Soul Shard to qualify for this academy.

If Austin had worked as hard as a normal person then he would have gone to a normal knight academy and would have reached the rank of a soldier at best.

So yes, Austin had the potential and dedication to become an exceptional warrior.

Austin smiled fondly at her, and while softly holding her hand, he said, "If you are with me, then surely I will participate and even win the tournament."

It might sound filmy but if the best student is helping him, then Austin believed that he might grow exponentially in weeks.

Valerie held his hand back, albeit hesitantly, as she uttered, "I have always been, and always will be, with my lord."

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A/N:- Having a girl like Valerie is blessing.