The morning air was crisp as Baker followed Captain Selene Ironhart into the courtyard. Sunlight glinted off her fire-red hair, which she tied back in a tight braid, and the scar tracing her cheek gave her an air of experience and quiet danger. Her half-elf, half-dwarf features were striking — pointed ears softened by strong, dwarven jawlines, and a body toned with years of rigorous training.
"Ready, Baker?" she asked, her voice firm but not unkind.
Baker nodded, feeling the familiar hum of his blessings energize him. "Yes, Captain Selene. Just… don't expect me to fight like you yet."
Selene smirked. "I don't expect you to. But you do need to survive if trouble finds us on the road. Let's start with basic spear handling. Keep your stance balanced, feet shoulder-width apart, and always be aware of your surroundings."
She handed him a practice spear — lighter than a real combat weapon, but balanced perfectly for training. Baker held it carefully, mimicking her stance, feeling the weight shift in his hands as she adjusted his posture.
"Good," Selene said, nodding. "Now, a simple forward thrust." She demonstrated slowly, her muscles moving fluidly, the spear extending in a precise line. Baker followed, pushing forward with careful concentration. The spear touched the designated mark with a soft thunk, and Selene's lips quirked into a small smile.
"Not bad for a first attempt. Keep your energy in your core, not your arms. The thrust comes from your whole body, not just your hands."
---
After several repetitions, Selene shifted the lesson. "Now, magic reinforcement. I'll show you a basic body shield. Nothing too fancy — just enough to harden your skin and resist minor impacts. You'll want this if the road throws something stronger than a stray animal at you."
A soft, faintly golden aura appeared around her arm as she demonstrated, muscles flexing as the energy reinforced her natural strength. "Feel it in your bones, Baker. The magic works with your body, not against it."
Baker focused, trying to summon a similar sensation. His Magic God's Blessing hummed in response, helping him feel the mana flow into his muscles. A faint stiffness tingled in his arms, and though it wasn't nearly as strong as Selene's, he felt the principle click in his mind.
"Not bad," Selene said after watching him for a few tries. "You'll need to practice this daily if you want to survive anything beyond stray Mandearoz or small beasts. Remember, magic is a tool, not a crutch."
Baker nodded, panting slightly from the exertion. "I understand. Thank you, Captain Selene."
---
The two continued for a while — thrusts, parries, and basic body reinforcement exercises. Selene's experience shone through each movement; even simple techniques looked deadly in her hands. Baker tried his best to follow, letting his blessings enhance his awareness, his mana subtly reinforcing his muscles.
By midday, they paused, sweat beading on Baker's forehead. Selene leaned on her spear, arms crossed. "You've got potential, Baker. Your magic and your instincts will save you in a pinch, but practice and control are everything. Remember — it's not about raw power. It's about efficiency and balance."
Baker wiped his brow, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. "I'll practice every day."
Selene gave a small nod. "Good. Tomorrow, we'll try movement drills and basic evasive maneuvers. By the time we leave for your grandparents, you'll at least be able to defend yourself if a bandit or beast tries to interfere."
As Baker watched her stride away, spear in hand and aura faintly shimmering, he felt a renewed sense of determination. If I'm going to travel safely, I have to master both magic and combat.
And for the first time, he realized that cooking, healing, and combat could all weave together into something greater — a way to protect, nurture, and improve the world around him.