Chapter 111
"Then, let us begin training. I’ll be strict—prepare yourself."
"Please guide me well!"
Two days after returning from the Abyss, my training in the "Nether Spear Style" began. The location was the Hollow Garden—a place Lord Albert and Lil had arranged for me. Here, no matter how much time passed inside, the outside world wouldn’t advance, allowing for unlimited practice.
"First, we shall aim for mastery of the style."
"That sounds like a steep wall to climb right away?"
"What nonsense. Mastery is not the end—it is the beginning. The peak of martial prowess lies far beyond."
"I see."
Well, it’s true that simply learning all the techniques doesn’t mean "done." I understand why mastery is just the starting line.
"Now, assume your stance!"
"Yes!"
At Instructor Iris’s command, I readied myself. Instead of my usual axe-spear, I wielded a wooden training spear—a six-foot staff enchanted with weight magic to match (or slightly exceed) the heft of a real weapon. According to her, minimizing the difference from my usual spear was crucial.
"We begin with the foundation of spearmanship: the thrust. This is the core of all spear combat. Remember—it begins with a thrust, and it ends with a thrust."
"Yes!"
"Begin!"
"Haah!"
With a shout, I drove the staff toward the target. A sharp crack echoed as impact jolted through my arms.
"Don’t thrust with just your arms! Use your entire body—especially your hips!"
"Yes!"
On the first day, I repeated thrusts until my stamina gave out. I’m not naturally skilled, so I’ll advance one step at a time.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Hollow Garden, Albert trained with Minato and Cecilia. Though the Hollow Garden existed across countless spaces, this one was separate from Yuuka’s.
"Let’s begin."
"Likewise. Then, shall we?"
"Good luck, you two! Minato! Al!"
Facing each other, both men assumed mid-level stances. Like Yuuka, they were honing their spear techniques.
Minato’s "Water Spear Style"—a fluid, adaptive martial art centered around the spear—had evolved further into his own "Abyssal Spear Style" after mastering the former. It was a serendipitous creation, born from his relentless pursuit of efficiency and strength. When Minato struggled to name the style (which echoed his affinity for water and dark magic), Albert had suggested "Abyssal." The name stuck, making Minato its sole practitioner. His stoic nature drove him to train ceaselessly—spearmanship was both his passion and his way of life. The human world’s restrictions forced him to practice primarily in the demon realm.
As for Albert, spearmanship was one of the Bergand family’s traditional disciplines. He’d trained in all forms of combat since childhood. Though his style lacked a formal name, it could be called the "Bergand Spear Style"—a pragmatic system designed for battling demonic beasts. His elder sister, Cecilia, shared this martial upbringing.
"Still, Al, are you sure about this? Not going to Yuuka’s side?"
"I did consider it. But she asked me to trust her—to wait for her return as she grows stronger. As her husband, I want to honor her wishes."
"I get that. I’d move heaven and earth for Cece’s requests too."
"Though I’ll admit my ignorance—I know little of this 'Nether Spear Style.' Only that it’s an ancient, battle-hardened martial art. Will Yuuka be alright...?"
A shadow crossed Albert’s face. Worry for Yuuka’s safety lingered.
"Your concern is understandable. But Yuuka will be fine. And trusting your wife is a husband’s duty. Have faith and wait."
"...You’re right. I’ll trust her."
Albert nodded, though traces of unease remained. Minato’s words had offered some reassurance.
"What I must do now is grow stronger—to walk beside Yuuka as her equal."
"Right. Let’s grow stronger together."
With renewed focus, they returned to their sparring.
"Ready, both of you? Begin!"
At Cecilia’s signal, their staves clashed.
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