Shirou stood before the control panel once more, sweat dripping down his brow, his shirt clinging to his back. He pressed the button without hesitation. Fifteen more golems emerged from the glowing summoning platform. Their stone bodies hummed as they stepped into the training hall, their eyes glowing faintly blue.
Shirou tightened the grip on his sword. "Let's go again."
For the next two hours, it was a cycle of destruction. Summon. Slash. Break. Repeat. Each fight was fast, focused, and clean. His movements were efficient, his footwork sharp, and his eyes unwavering. The sword in his hand moved with elegance and force. But something gnawed at the back of his mind. No matter how many times he cut down the golems, something didn't feel right.
Eventually, he slumped down on the stone floor, breathing heavily. His chest rose and fell, and sweat dripped from his chin. The golems lay scattered like broken statues around him.
He called up his status window.
Combat Proficiency: Sword Mastery –Intermediate( 4/100.
"Only four?" he muttered, frowning. "Even after all that?"
The disappointment was sharp, like a cold wind after a long run. He clenched his fist, then let out a slow breath.
"Why is this progress so slow?" he thought aloud. "When I used the dagger in real combat, my mastery shot up. Maybe training like this… just isn't enough. The system already gave me intermediate-level sword skills, and I know I'm good at it. Too good. It's like I've done this a thousand times in another life."
His gaze drifted to a broken golem.
"Training alone is like swinging at shadows. There's no pressure. No fear. Nothing new to learn. If I'm right, then I need either a real fight or someone better to learn from."
He stayed there on the floor for a while, the hum of the quiet room the only sound. His limbs ached. He had pushed himself hard. He still had about an hour of room time left, but honestly, he didn't care anymore. It felt pointless to keep going.
He lay down and stared at the ceiling. For the next half hour, he did nothing. Just rested. Letting the tension drain out of his muscles. Eventually, he stood, stretched his arms and legs, and made his way to the bathroom connected to the training room.
It was surprisingly clean. There was even a drying corner with a warm towel enchantment. Shirou cleaned himself up, changing into a fresh tunic and trousers. The material was light but well-stitched, made for nobles or well-paying adventurers.
Once freshened, he walked out of the training room. The corridor was dimly lit with amber lamps, casting long shadows on the stone walls. His boots echoed softly as he walked down the hallway, finally reaching the front counter.
Sherin was still there, chatting with a newcomer who seemed eager and slightly nervous. Probably a new trainee. She looked up and smiled as Shirou approached.
"You still had time left," she said, glancing at the large wall-mounted clock.
"Yeah, I know. But I remembered there was something else I needed to do."
"Ah, I see." She reached under the desk and placed the thick leather-bound register on the counter. "So, have you decided about the membership?"
Shirou smiled. "Let me think about it. I'll let you know."
She nodded. "You can write your exit time here."
He filled in the time in neat handwriting. After a polite nod, he thanked her and stepped out of the building.
With a thought, a flicker of golden light shimmered in front of him—half of the money he had paid for the session silently returned to his inventory.
He could have taken it all back.
But that would feel like theft.
Taking half? Still stealing, sure. But somehow, it felt... less wrong.
Now, there was something else on his mind. A promise.
Dinner with Amelia.
He made his way back to the inn. Evening crept over Velgrath, casting orange hues across the rooftops. Once in his room, he opened his wardrobe and stared at the options. He didn't have many fancy clothes, but Miss Flora had helped him pick something nice the other day.
A dark indigo tunic with silver threads woven across the collar. Formal, but not flashy. Paired with black trousers and leather boots polished to a near shine. He adjusted the cuffs, straightened the collar, and looked into the mirror.
Not bad.
By the time he reached the meeting spot, dusk had already blanketed the city in soft blues and purples.
But Amelia was already there.
Shirou blinked, a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I'm late."
Amelia turned to him with a gentle smile. "Oh, it's fine. I'm just too early. I only got here a minute ago."
He laughed lightly. "So, where do you want to eat?"
She raised a curious eyebrow. "You're asking me? I thought this was your treat."
Shirou scratched his cheek. Truth was, he didn't know much about the restaurants in Velgrath. So earlier that day, he'd asked Miss Flora for help.
Big mistake.
Miss Flora, the ever-enthusiastic innkeeper, had launched into a full hour-long lecture about every fancy dining place in this part of the city. The atmosphere, the chefs, the price, the menu. She even described the texture of the bread in one place.
He had to stop her before he missed his training slot.
But in the end, she gave him the perfect recommendation.
Now, standing before Amelia, Shirou simply said, "Just follow me."
She smiled and fell into step beside him.
They walked through the lantern-lit streets of Velgrath, passing musicians, food stalls, and carriages drawn by sleek horses. They talked about small things—the new trainee at the gym, a funny moment with Flora, a recent quest she had taken.
Soon, they stopped before a fancy-looking building. Amelia looked at it and nodded. "It's a good choice."
Shirou chuckled and gently placed a hand on her head, tilting it to the side. "Not this one. That one."
Amelia's eyes widened.
"Wait… that's Welbern."
"Yup."
"But… it's so expensive!" she whispered, stunned. "I've only been there once, and that was a year ago. The food's amazing, but still… it might be too much."
Shirou shrugged. "Relax. I wouldn't bring you here if I couldn't afford it."
"If you say so. Don't say I didn't warn you."
As they reached the entrance, Amelia looped her arm around his.
Two well-dressed guards stood on either side of the massive double doors. Upon seeing them, the guards opened the doors with a courteous bow.
"Have a wonderful evening, sir. And to you, madam," one said.
"Thank you," Amelia replied with a polite smile.
They stepped inside.
Amelia gasped.
The inside of Welbern was nothing short of breathtaking. Chandeliers sparkled above. The walls glimmered with soft gold patterns. The scent of roasted spices and sweet herbs wafted through the air.
"It's so grand now… way more than I remember," she whispered.
Shirou kept a calm expression, though inside, even he was surprised.
"Flora, you said this place was grand, but this is..." he thought. "This is something else entirely."
"There's a table over there," Amelia pointed.
"No need," Shirou said. "I already made a reservation."
"Oh? Where?"
He pointed to a corner near the window where a small table for two stood, framed by velvet curtains.
"I like sitting near windows. Maybe it's my OCD," he joked.
Amelia giggled. "Well, a window seat is nice."
Shirou offered his hand. "Then shall we, my lady?
She took it with a playful smile. "Of course, my darling."
Shirou chuckled. "Alright then."
Together, they walked toward the reserved table—