Orsted didn't mind Ais observing from the sidelines.
The combat skills and experience he was teaching were basic.
As a Level 5 adventurer, Ais surely knew these fundantals already.
Whether she watched or not made little difference.
Still, Orsted had considered sparring with her.
He hadn't forgotten the boost to his Status after sparring with Ryuu.
Not only had his basic abilities surged, but his Developnt Ability had jumped a rank.
The effect was too good to ignore.
Orsted didn't realize, however, that the skills he was teaching weren't as simple as he thought.
Even Finn had recognized Orsted's strength just from his aura—without ever witnessing his fights firsthand.
Ais, at Level 5, paled in comparison to Finn across the board.
Even the basic lessons he taught Lili and the others offered Ais a substantial insights.
As she observed Orsted guiding Lili and the others, Ais felt a growing excitent.
Though she gained much from watching, it paled compared to what she'd learn from sparring with him directly.
Yet she had no pretext to ask—having only t Orsted twice, their relationship remained distant.
She couldn't help but envy Lili, Tifa, and Naaza, who were sharpening their skills under his tutelage.
Her desire to spar with him intensified, but she stayed silent until Orsted finished the training session.
As the ceiling crystals dimd, night fell over the eighteenth floor.
Late that night, when all was quiet, the large tent housing Lili and the others rustled softly.
A blonde figure slipped out.
Ais approached Orsted's tent with light steps, her expression hesitant.
Her hand hovered near the entrance, reaching out then pulling back, torn between opening it and retreating.
Inside, Orsted's eyes fluttered open.
Ais's presence was subtle, nearly undetectable, but her indecision betrayed a faint trace of her aura, alerting him.
"Ais?" Orsted parted the tent flap and saw her standing there, uncertainty etched on her face.
"It's late—what's wrong?" he asked softly, mindful not to wake Lili and the others.
His sudden appearance startled Ais, breaking her reverie.
She quickly composed herself.
"Orsted, can I ask a favor?" After a deep breath, she t his gaze with resolve.
"?" Orsted didn't reply, instead tilting his head with a puzzled look, inviting her to elaborate.
Seeing his cue, Ais pressed on without hesitation.
She explained her desire to spar with him.
Orsted's eyes brightened instantly.
He'd entertained the sa idea earlier but held back—they'd only t twice and weren't close enough for him to suggest it.
He'd planned to wait until they knew each other better.
Now, Ais had co to him first.
It was a rare opportunity.
Orsted craved strength and wouldn't pass up a chance to boost his Status through sparring.
He'd seized the opportunity with Ryuu, and he wouldn't miss it with other powerful adventurers either—especially not with Ais stepping forward now.
Hearing her request, he agreed without a second thought.
"Let's head sowhere farther off so we don't disturb Lili and the others," Orsted said quietly, slinging his weapon onto his waist as he stepped out of the tent.
"Yeah," Ais nodded softly.
The two slipped away side by side, disappearing into the forest.
Lili, Tifa, and Naaza slept soundly, oblivious to their departure.
After a day of fighting monsters and enduring Orsted's training, exhaustion had claid them.
Their sleep was deep—short of a major disturbance, nothing would rouse them.
---
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