Kazuki sat on a wooden bench in the barracks courtyard, massaging his sore arms. The bruises from his duel with Elara throbbed painfully, and his muscles ached from the intense sparring session.
"That was quite the show," a voice said.
Kazuki looked up to see the woman who had been watching him earlier. She had dark brown hair tied in a high ponytail, sharp green eyes, and a confident smirk. Her armor was lighter than Elara's, built for speed rather than defense.
"You fought well—for a man," she said, folding her arms. "But you still lost."
Kazuki frowned. "Who are you?"
"Tara Veil," she said, her smirk widening. "Elara's second-in-command."
Kazuki's jaw tightened. 'Second-in-command? No wonder she was watching me so closely.'
"What do you want?" Kazuki asked, forcing himself to stand despite the pain.
"Just curious," Tara said, circling him. "You came out of nowhere, and suddenly Elara's taking you under her wing. That's not like her."
"Guess I'm special," Kazuki said, trying to sound confident.
Tara chuckled. "Special, huh? Let's see just how special."
Before Kazuki could react, Tara lunged forward, her fist aimed at his face. Kazuki barely managed to step back, but her fist still grazed his cheek.
"What the hell?!" Kazuki shouted, stumbling back.
"You want to be Elara's subordinate? Then prove you're worth her time," Tara said, cracking her knuckles. "Or are you just a pretty face with no skill?"
Kazuki gritted his teeth. "Fine."
[Skill Copy - Active.]
[Target: Tara Veil - Knight of Estoria.]
[Skills Available to Copy: Dagger Mastery - Beginner Rank, Enhanced Agility - Intermediate Rank.]
Kazuki's eyes locked onto her. 'Enhanced Agility... that's the one I need.'
Tara charged forward, her movements blindingly fast. Kazuki barely saw her fist before it connected with his gut, knocking the wind out of him.
"Too slow," Tara taunted, stepping back. "Come on. Show me that 'special' talent of yours."
Kazuki gasped, clutching his stomach. 'Damn it... she's faster than Elara. If I don't copy that skill, I'm done for.'
"Focus," he muttered, closing his eyes. "Activate Skill Copy."
[Skill Copy - Enhanced Agility - Intermediate Rank. Copying in progress...]
Tara rushed at him again, her fist aiming for his jaw. This time, Kazuki's body moved on its own. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow.
"What?!" Tara gasped, eyes wide.
Kazuki smirked. "Not bad for a man, right?"
Before Tara could react, Kazuki launched a counterattack, his fists moving faster than before. His newfound speed caught her off guard, and his punch connected with her shoulder, sending her stumbling back.
The knights watching gasped, murmurs spreading through the crowd.
Tara regained her balance, rubbing her shoulder with a grin. "Well, well... maybe you're not just a pretty face after all."
Kazuki exhaled, adrenaline pumping through his veins. 'That was close. But I did it. I copied her skill.'
But as Tara walked away, her grin widened. "You're interesting, Kazuki Harada. Let's see how long you can keep surprising me."
Kazuki lay sprawled on a thin mattress in the barracks, his arms aching and his muscles sore. The wooden ceiling above him creaked as footsteps echoed outside. He stared at the rafters, his mind replaying the sparring match with Tara.
"Enhanced Agility," he muttered, flexing his fingers. "I can definitely feel the difference."
A knock echoed through the door. Before Kazuki could respond, it swung open, and Tara stepped inside, closing it behind her.
"You," she said, leaning against the door, her green eyes gleaming mischievously. "Got a moment?"
Kazuki sat up, the thin sheet slipping down his bare chest. "Uh... yeah. What's up?"
Tara's eyes roamed over him, a sly grin forming. "Not bad. You're more built than I thought. Didn't think a man could handle that kind of training."
Kazuki swallowed, heat creeping up his neck. "Thanks... I guess."
Tara walked over, her hips swaying. She knelt down beside him, her face inches from his. Kazuki leaned back, his heart pounding as her breath tickled his skin.
"You really surprised me today," Tara said, her fingertips trailing over his chest. "That speed... it was almost like you were copying me."
Kazuki's breath hitched. "I... uh..."
"Or maybe," Tara whispered, her lips brushing against his ear, "you're just that talented."
Kazuki's face flushed, his entire body tensing. Tara's fingers slid lower, tracing the curve of his abs. Her smirk widened as she pressed closer, her chest brushing against his arm.
"W-What are you doing?" Kazuki stammered, his cheeks burning.
Tara laughed softly, her eyes half-lidded. "Relax. I just wanted to see if you're as tough as you pretend to be."
Before Kazuki could respond, the door burst open. Elara stood there, eyes blazing. "Tara! What the hell are you doing?!"
Tara pulled back, her grin never fading. "Just having a little chat. Nothing serious."
"Get out," Elara said, her tone icy. "Now."
Tara rose to her feet, hands raised in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But Kazuki... let's continue this 'chat' another time."
With a wink, she sauntered out, leaving Elara glaring after her. Elara closed the door, her jaw clenched as she turned to Kazuki.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer.
Kazuki nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah... just a little... overwhelmed."
Elara's expression softened, and she sat beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Be careful around Tara. She's... unpredictable."
Kazuki met her gaze, his pulse still racing. "Noted."
But even as Elara sat beside him, her warmth seeping into his skin, Kazuki couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Tara's touch—or the dangerous glint in her eyes.