Crimson Overlord-Chapter 378: Luna’s Request

The following days marked the beginning of Luna’s training under Orpheus’s watchful guidance. Every morning, they would slip into his hidden training ground, a serene space cloaked from the outside world, surrounded by towering trees and mist that gave it an otherworldly beauty.

Orpheus was firm but patient, carefully assessing Luna’s limits before pushing her just beyond them. He taught her to harness her inner strength, moving through drills that combined both mental focus and physical endurance. Luna’s determination impressed him—she met every challenge without hesitation, her resolve unwavering.

But as the days passed, she began to notice Orpheus’s subtle hesitations, a flicker of sadness behind his crimson eyes each time he taught her something new. It was as if he was holding back, keeping a part of himself hidden from her. Still, she trusted him, even if she didn’t fully understand him yet.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Luna sank to the ground, exhausted. Orpheus sat beside her, handing her a water flask.

"You’re getting stronger, Luna," he said quietly, his gaze softening. "But strength isn’t just about power—it’s about control, too. And..." He paused, looking away. "It’s about knowing when to stop."

Luna studied his face, catching that unspoken sorrow again. She leaned closer, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm. "Orpheus," she began softly, "someday, when you’re ready, you’ll tell me what you’re hiding. I’ll be here."

He smiled, though there was a hint of pain in it, and nodded. "Maybe one day, Luna. But for now... let’s focus on making you strong enough to face whatever comes."

And so they continued, bound by the secrets between them and the promise of strength—not just of the body, but of the heart.

The following day they switched their training method, now in form of sparring matches.

Luna tightened her grip on the whip, feeling its weight and balance in her hand. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and met Orpheus’s crimson gaze. He stood calmly, sword in hand, his posture relaxed yet ready, as if he could counter any move she might make.

"Come on, Luna," he encouraged, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Show me what you’ve got."

She focused, eyes narrowing as she analyzed his stance. In a flash, she lashed the whip toward him, aiming low to force him to step back. But Orpheus sidestepped with graceful precision, his movements smooth and unhurried. The whip cracked against the ground, and before she could retract it, he moved closer, his sword raised in a controlled arc.

"Stay focused," he warned, his voice soft but firm.

Luna spun back, using the whip’s reach to keep him at bay, forcing him to retreat a few steps. She realized that while she had the advantage of distance, Orpheus’s strength lay in his speed and adaptability. Each time she adjusted her stance or changed her attack, he seemed to predict it, shifting his position effortlessly.

After a few exchanges, Orpheus raised his sword and deflected her whip with a swift, precise motion, the tip of his blade catching it just right to send it snapping back toward her.

"Adapt," he instructed, his eyes never leaving hers. "Think two moves ahead. Anticipate."

Taking his advice to heart, Luna adjusted her grip and lunged forward, mixing unpredictable moves with sudden changes in pace. She was determined to break his rhythm, and little by little, she started to close the distance between them. Her persistence made him finally raise an eyebrow in surprise, a slight grin breaking his usual composure.

Then, with a flick of her wrist, she managed to wrap the whip around his sword. Orpheus’s eyes widened slightly, impressed, and he didn’t resist as she tugged his sword downward, disarming him.

For a moment, they stood face-to-face, both breathing heavily. He chuckled softly, nodding in approval.

"Well done, Luna," he said, retrieving his sword. "You’re learning faster than I expected. But remember—" he paused, stepping closer, "strength and skill are nothing without clarity. Keep a clear mind, always."

As they reset for another round, Luna felt a thrill of excitement. Orpheus was a formidable teacher, and she could sense his pride in her progress. But she also knew this was only the beginning—and that both of them had much more to learn, not only from the training but from each other.

Luna picked up the twin daggers, their curved edges gleaming faintly in the light. She tested their weight, feeling the perfect balance and grip in each hand. Across from her, Orpheus adjusted his stance, wielding a single, elegantly curved blade. Its design was intricate, with a handle wrapped in dark leather that matched his serious expression.

"Two against one, hmm?" he murmured, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Bold choice. Let’s see if you can keep up."

Luna grinned, her excitement and focus blending. She’d grown more confident under Orpheus’s instruction, and now, armed with the daggers, she felt ready to challenge his skill. She took a light-footed stance, circling him slowly, watching for any sign of an opening.

Orpheus waited, his gaze sharp and patient, letting her make the first move. Luna lunged forward, striking with one dagger in a feint, then twisting her body to bring the second dagger down toward his shoulder. But he moved swiftly, parrying her attacks with practiced ease. His blade arced through the air, meeting her daggers with a clash that sent vibrations down her arms.

He deflected her strikes with a controlled grace, his movements almost effortless as he countered her every attack. Luna’s twin blades gave her speed and agility, but Orpheus’s single blade was a weapon of precision and control, and he wielded it like an extension of himself.

As they clashed, Luna began to realize that his strategy was not only to defend but to study her. He was gauging her reactions, testing her reflexes. She couldn’t afford any hesitation or doubt. Taking a quick step back, she adjusted her grip, breathing deeply to focus her mind.

"Better," he noted approvingly, shifting his stance. "But don’t get too comfortable. Predictability is an enemy in combat."

Taking his advice, Luna switched tactics, adopting a rhythm that alternated between rapid, light attacks and sudden, powerful strikes. She darted in with one dagger aimed at his side, then spun to bring the other toward his leg. This time, she caught him off-guard for a split second, and he had to step back, just barely avoiding her blade.

Orpheus’s eyes sparkled with approval. "Good," he said, the faintest smile touching his lips. "You’re learning to adapt."

But before she could feel too pleased, he moved with a sudden burst of speed, closing the distance between them. His curved blade whirled in an arc, forcing her to block with both daggers at once. The impact nearly knocked her off balance, and she felt the weight of his strength.

"You have potential, Luna," he said softly, his voice close to her ear as he held her daggers at bay with his blade. "But remember—there’s always more to learn."