Crimson Overlord-Chapter 380: Training continue

The following morning, their training grew even more intense. Orpheus wasted no time with pleasantries, his expression sharper than usual as he assessed her stance. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and leaves from last night’s rain, and a cool mist clung to the forest.

"Today, we push your limits," he announced, his voice unyielding. "If you hesitate, you lose. If you falter, you fail."

Luna tightened her grip on her daggers, a spark of determination lighting her eyes. She had grown accustomed to his tough demeanor, but today, something felt different—there was an urgency, a weight behind his words she couldn’t quite place. She braced herself, knowing this would be a test unlike any before.

Orpheus attacked with relentless precision, his strikes quicker and stronger, leaving no room for error. Luna’s muscles burned as she blocked and parried, struggling to match his speed. He pushed her harder than ever, and more than once she found herself scrambling to keep up. It was as though he’d shifted from teaching to truly testing her, challenging her ability to adapt under real pressure.

"Stay focused!" he barked as she stumbled, barely evading a swipe that would have disarmed her. "Your instincts are strong, but they won’t be enough if you hesitate."

Gritting her teeth, Luna steadied herself, refusing to let frustration get the better of her. She focused on his movements, noting the slight twitches in his muscles that signaled his next attack. With a deep breath, she willed herself to anticipate his every step, not just react.

Then, in one fluid motion, she sidestepped a powerful swing and darted inside his guard, aiming a dagger toward his shoulder. But Orpheus twisted at the last moment, catching her wrist and immobilizing her with effortless strength. Their faces were close, his eyes intense as they held hers.

"You’re learning," he murmured, his voice low. "But to truly win, you must think three moves ahead—know where I’ll be before I do."

Luna felt the weight of his grip and the heat of his gaze, her pulse quickening. She nodded, determined to master whatever lesson he threw at her. He released her, stepping back, and they resumed, his movements just as relentless as before.

Hours passed in grueling silence, punctuated only by the sounds of their blades and their labored breathing. Sweat trickled down her back as Luna fought to keep pace, refusing to surrender despite her fatigue. Slowly, she began to see a rhythm to his attacks, finding ways to predict and counter with greater accuracy.

At last, when the sun had climbed high overhead, Orpheus signaled for a break. They sat beneath the shade of an old tree, catching their breath. Luna leaned back, exhausted but proud of the progress she had made.

"You’re improving quickly," he admitted, his tone softer than it had been all morning. "Soon, you’ll surpass even what I’d hoped for."

Luna glanced at him, surprised by the rare note of praise. "Does that mean I’m ready?"

Orpheus looked at her, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. "No," he replied quietly. "But soon, you will be. And when you are... there will be no going back."

His words hung in the air, filled with a solemnity that sent a chill down her spine. She wanted to ask what he meant, but something held her back. Instead, she nodded, feeling a mix of determination and trepidation.

As they rose to resume training, Luna’s mind raced with questions. She knew she was being prepared for something, though Orpheus kept the details veiled. But now, with each clash of their blades and every lesson he imparted, she began to glimpse the truth—that whatever awaited her was far greater, and far darker, than she had anticipated. And in that moment, she vowed to face it head-on, ready to meet whatever fate had in store. She wouldn’t be the one being protected she would also protect and be part of the bigger picture, participating actively in everything.

After the intense training session, Orpheus suggested they unwind. They left the secluded training grounds and made their way to a small, dimly-lit tavern nestled at the edge of a quiet village. The night air was cool, and the streets were nearly empty as they entered, slipping into the modest bar unnoticed, their identities hidden beneath simple cloaks.

The bar was warm and bustling with laughter, a stark contrast to the disciplined silence of their training. Orpheus ordered two drinks, and they took a table in the corner, blending in with the mix of travelers and locals. Luna found herself grateful for the change of pace, for the chance to relax without the weight of Orpheus’s intense gaze fixed on her every move.

As they sipped their drinks, Luna observed him, noticing how different he looked outside of their usual setting. There was a softness in his posture, a rare ease that she’d never seen during training. Orpheus seemed to sense her curiosity and gave a faint smile, something more genuine than his usual reserved expression.

"Surprised?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A little," she admitted, taking a sip of her drink. "You almost look... normal."

He chuckled softly, swirling the liquid in his glass. "I do have my moments," he replied, glancing around as if savoring the simplicity of the place. "Even warriors need a break."

For a while, they drank in silence, each lost in thought. Then, in a rare moment of openness, Orpheus leaned back and began to share stories of his own training days, tales of his youth that he usually kept buried. His stories were laced with both fondness and a hint of sadness, and Luna could see glimpses of the struggles and sacrifices he’d made along the way.

"So you weren’t always the stoic mentor?" she teased, grinning over her drink.

"No," he replied with a smirk. "I was... wilder, reckless even. My mentor had quite a challenge keeping me focused." He looked at her, his gaze softened by nostalgia. "I learned the hard way that discipline comes at a price, but it’s a price worth paying."

Luna took in his words, feeling the depth of experience behind them. She wondered what had changed him, what had tempered him from the young warrior he described into the guarded man before her. Part of her wanted to ask, to push for answers—but instead, she let the silence settle between them, not wanting to break the fragile comfort of the moment.

After a few more rounds, Orpheus’s usual reserve seemed to loosen. He laughed more freely, his voice a warm rumble in the noisy bar, and Luna found herself joining in, laughing at his dry humor and unexpected wit. It was strange, almost surreal, to see this side of him—a man who could be both fierce and lighthearted, who carried burdens but also knew how to let go, if only for a little while.

As the night wore on, the two became even more relaxed, exchanging stories, trading challenges, and daring each other to take another drink. For a brief time, they weren’t mentor and student, warrior and apprentice, but simply two people enjoying the rare freedom of anonymity.

But as the last round was served and the bar began to empty, a quiet settled between them, a lingering awareness of everything left unsaid. Orpheus looked at her, his expression turning serious again, though his eyes held a glint of warmth.

"Tonight was... necessary," he said softly. "We can’t forget to live, even with everything that lies ahead."

Luna nodded, her gaze holding his. "Thank you, for this."

He tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "Anytime."

They left the bar together, walking through the still night back to the forest path. Their footsteps were soft, but the silence between them felt charged with unspoken words. As they reached the edge of the village, Orpheus paused, looking up at the sky.

"Luna," he began, his voice unusually hesitant. "I know I’ve asked much of you. And soon, I’ll ask even more."

She looked at him, sensing the weight of his words. "Whatever it is, I’ll be ready."

He studied her, his gaze both proud and haunted. "I hope so," he replied quietly, before turning to lead the way back.

As they walked side by side beneath the stars, Luna realized that tonight had shown her more than just the softer side of Orpheus.