I Got Reincarnated As The Ntr Protagonist In An Online Game
Chapter 32: Training Part 2

Chapter 32: Training Part 2

Junior tightened his grip on his sword, though his fingers screamed in protest. His entire body felt like it was unraveling, but he wasn’t about to back down. Not in front of her. He steadied his stance, his chest heaving as he tried to control his ragged breaths.

Eira began to circle him, her movements measured and deliberate. The dim light of the training room cast a faint sheen over her, her muscles shifting smoothly beneath her skin. She moved like a predator—patient, poised, and completely in control.

"Still standing? Impressive," she remarked, her tone laced with amusement. "But willpower alone won’t save you."

Junior didn’t respond. Words felt like a waste of energy now. Instead, he watched her closely, studying her movements for any opening, any hint of an attack. She didn’t give one.

Eira feinted a lunge, her body leaning forward before pulling back just as quickly. Junior flinched, his sword coming up in a reflexive block. Too slow. She was already behind him, the blunt edge of her blade tapping lightly against the back of his neck.

"Dead again," she said dryly, stepping away.

Junior spun to face her, gritting his teeth in frustration. He was trying—damn it, he was trying—but no matter what he did, she was always two steps ahead.

"You’re overthinking," Eira said, as if reading his mind. "Fighting isn’t just about strategy—it’s instinct. You’re too caught up in what you think I’ll do instead of reacting to what I’m actually doing."

Her words stung, but they were cuttingly accurate. Junior adjusted his grip, lowering his sword slightly. He could feel his exhaustion weighing him down, clouding his mind. Still, he forced himself to focus.

Eira stepped closer this time, her smirk gone. Her expression was sharp, almost stern. "One more round," she said. "Make it count."

Junior nodded silently, his eyes narrowing as he prepared himself. This time, when Eira moved, it wasn’t a feint. She came at him with startling speed, her blade slicing through the air toward his side.

He reacted on instinct, twisting his body to avoid the strike and bringing his sword up to counter. Their blades met with a sharp clang that echoed through the room. For a brief moment, Junior thought he saw a flicker of surprise in Eira’s eyes before she disengaged, spinning out of his reach.

"Better," she said, circling him again. Her tone held the faintest trace of approval.

Encouraged, Junior pressed the attack, his movements sharper and more deliberate. He aimed low, then high, keeping her on her toes. For the first time, it felt like he was keeping up with her, even if only barely.

But Eira was far from done. She parried his strikes with ease, her movements as fluid as ever. When she finally retaliated, it was with a ferocity that caught him off guard. Her blade came at him in a rapid series of strikes, forcing him to backpedal.

His foot caught on an uneven stone, and he stumbled. In an instant, Eira was on him, her blade stopping just inches from his throat.

"Dead," she said simply, her smirk returning.

Junior sank to his knees, his chest heaving. The fight was over, and he’d lost again. But this time, there was no shame in his defeat. He had fought harder, smarter, and longer than he ever had before.

Eira stepped back, sheathing her sword. "You’re improving," she said, her voice softer now. "Slowly, but it’s there."

Junior looked up at her, his body too spent to rise. "That’s it?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "That’s all you have to say?"

Eira tilted her head, considering him for a moment. "What more do you want, Prince?" she asked, her smirk fading into a rare, serious expression. "Respect is earned, not handed out. You’ve made progress today. Don’t squander it by whining for more."

Junior swallowed his retort, nodding slowly. She was right—again.

Eira extended a hand to him, surprising him. "Come on," she said. "You need food and rest if you’re going to survive tomorrow."

He hesitated before taking her hand, her grip firm as she pulled him to his feet.

As they walked toward the door, she glanced at him, her smirk returning. "And maybe tomorrow, you’ll finally land a hit."

Junior managed a weak laugh, the sound rough but genuine. "Maybe."

Junior pushed the heavy wooden door open, his exhausted body leaning against it for support. As the door creaked, he was greeted by the sight of Helen pacing anxiously back and forth, her hands wringing together. Her lips moved as she muttered to herself, her expression a mix of worry and frustration.

"Helen," Junior called, his voice weak but audible.

Helen froze mid-step, her head snapping toward him. The moment she saw him, she ran toward him with urgency. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning him for any visible injuries. "I hope Master didn’t hurt you too much!"

Before Junior could respond, Helen’s gaze flicked to Eira, who had followed closely behind him. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, something unspoken passed between them. Eira quickly averted her gaze, her expression unreadable.

"If I go easy on him, he won’t learn anything," Eira said evenly, brushing past Helen with an air of nonchalance.

Helen’s concern morphed into indignation as she turned to face Eira fully. "Master!" she said sharply, her voice rising with frustration. "He’s not a soldier! He’s not even used to this kind of training yet!"

Eira didn’t respond immediately, her posture remaining relaxed. Helen took the silence as an invitation to continue, her words tumbling out in rapid succession as she gestured wildly. "He’s pushing himself too hard! You could at least ease up a little so he doesn’t collapse right in front of you!"

Watching the scene unfold, Junior found himself at a loss for words. The energy Helen exuded was a stark contrast to Eira’s calm demeanor. He cleared his throat, trying to interject. "Helen, I’m really oka—"

Before he could finish, the world around him began to tilt. The edges of his vision blurred, and everything in his sight grew wavy and distorted. His body felt impossibly heavy, and he staggered, unable to maintain his balance.

"Your Highness!" Helen’s panicked voice rang out as she rushed toward him.

Junior’s legs gave out, and his consciousness slipped away just as Helen reached him, barely managing to catch him before he almost reaches the floor.