"Luxanna! Please teach us how to fight!"

  A few weeks after our collective punishment, my friends stood in front of me, Gabriel speaking up for them.

  "Eh…?"

  Gabriel lifted his head and continued, "When those goblins came out of the cave… we were really scared. But! You weren't! You know how to use a sword, and you protected us!"

  Henry gripped the hem of his shirt and spoke up as well. "Our parents said they were mad because they were afraid that we'd die… if we learn how to fight, how to protect ourselves, they won't have to be afraid."

  Valerie stepped closer with determination in her eyes. "You've already been sparing with me, so… why can't we all become stronger together?"

  I looked over the kids. Even the timid Amaranth looks quite determined.

  As much as I'd like to be able to teach them… I'm not a very good instructor and they may have more talent in weapons other than swords or knives.

  "Well, quite the pickle you've found yourself in, eh, Luxa?"

  I turn around and see my Father leaning over the window frame from inside our house, a smile plastered on his face. He was home for the next two months for vacation.

  "Ah, Papa… this is…"

  He climbed out of the window and stood beside me. He looked over the nervous children and nodded his head.

  "It's clear you were inspired that day by my exceptional daughter… but she isn't exactly an instructor that can show you how to protect yourself."

  The kids looked down in disappointment, but he continued.

  "That's not to say I won't help." He crouched down and patted Valerie's and Gabriel's head.

  "I also think it's about time you kids learn how to protect yourself. There are many dangers in this world. Those goblins were nothing. Outside this city, this country, there are some things that could easily ruin or even end your life and you won't be able to do anything to stop it."

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  Now, he's just scaring them. But as a former soldier, I understood that he has to say this to them now.

  "…If you're afraid of that coming to pass, then just go home, learn your father's or mother's trade, and stay your whole life in this village."

  "B-but we want to adventure with Luxanna…" Valerie balled her fists as my Father's words sunk in. Despite being a bit of a muscle-head, I'm sure she understands.

  "If you want to be an adventurer, then work hard, because it'll be hard to live that way. Dangers will lurk at every corner, and you may die before you even turn 20. Are you kids sure?"

  They all glanced at each other. Amaranth faltered a moment but shook her head and furrowed her brows, her eyes lingering on Henry, who looked determined himself.

  """We're sure!!!""" They shouted in unison.

  Father looked at each of them a moment longer, the kids' eyes now unfazed.

  "Okay, fine. I'll get your fathers together and talk of training you all."

  "Yay!"

  "Yes!!"

  Gabriel and Julian jumped up in excitement while Henry and Amaranth sighed in relief, and Valerie trembled in joy.

  ****

  ****

  After taking several days to set up a little training area, all of us kids stood in a line with different weapons made of wood in our hands.

  Gabriel held a two-handed battle axe while Julian held a war axe in each hand.

  Henry held a bow and blunt wooden arrows.

  Valerie held a new blunt weapon, that was even bigger than her last one. It was shaped like a pointed hammer rather than a mace.

  Amaranth held a spear, but I still feel like she's a bit uncomfortable with it. I do sense that she has more potential for mana in her than the others, so she might be better off as a mage. I may have to help her open her mana veins later today.

  Of course, I had my new wooden long sword, but I also requested a wooden dagger as well.

  I've spent years in my last life with a combat knife, in constant CQB fights to the death. A dagger is basically a part of me, even in this life.

  But, I shouldn't reveal that I know how to use a dagger when I haven't trained for it in this life.

  My Father and Another villager, Devin, stood in front of us.

  Devin is an elderly Cat Furlian who worked as an instructor in the Adventurer's Guild in Inushi, The Kingdom of Valtovia's capital city, quite a few decades ago.

  "Ah, I've waited for the day you young ones decided you wanted to train! Playing all day like there's no worry in the world! Gah! A waste of some rare talent!"

  He was the one who chose the other kid's weapons, after examining them individually. He even told me I would do better with a dagger rather than a sword.

  Since Amaranth didn't have much talent in the melee weapons Devin was familiar with, he chose a spear as it was the easiest to wield.

  According to him, our group had a great hidden talent that he wanted to cultivate. I know the other, most important reason he wants to teach us, though…

  I've overheard him speaking with Father, and he mentioned a child he adopted who had incredible talent but was killed by sickness before he could teach the boy. It was a regret he held all his life that may be settled with us.

  A sweet old man.

  "Now, I taught you all the basic first set for your respective weapons! Stand apart at begin with a set of 100 swings!" Devin commanded.

  """Yes, Sir!!"""