Chapter 10: “No Bones About It”

It wasn’t surprising at all. She’d expected something along those lines, but having it said aloud still pricked at Celestia’s mind, it was a statement that basically told her that her chances of survival in this world went down.

She managed a tight smile. “Go on.”

“You have a delicate build,” Jade explained calmly. “That isn’t to say you’re unhealthy, only that you lack the sturdy core that is needed for warriors. It means building strength will be more challenging and will take time.”

Celestia inhaled slowly. She knew her physique was more swan than lioness.

Jade continued, regarding her with a serious expression. “Additionally, I sensed very little aura within you.” He held up a hand preemptively, “It could be that you’ve never cultivated it, of course. Many people don’t show how much capacity they have until they deliberately train it. But it’s also possible that your natural reserves are on the lower side.”

Celestia’s heart sank a little further. Inwardly, she sighed bitterly. The outline of her weaknesses was complete: physically weak, weak in potential, and inexperienced in fighting. A pampered noble girl with nothing more than money and status. It was exactly as the story had portrayed the original Celestia.

Seeing the look on her face, Jade softened his tone. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not pleasant to hear. But I want you to understand the reality. If we’re going to do this, we must be aware of your starting point.”

“It’s fine,” Celestia said. “I prefer honesty. It only means I have more work to do, and that is why you are here.”

Jade gave a small nod, perhaps a touch impressed by her unwavering front. “You’re right.” He paused, then added respectfully, “I will have to ask, what exactly is the goal of this training? What are you preparing for?”

Celestia met his eyes. In that moment, she decided not to hide her intentions. If she wanted his optimal training, he needed to know her aims. “In one month, I will be departing for the city of Summit,” she said. “I’m enrolling in the Academy.”

Jade’s eyes widened a bit. Clearly, he understood the implication. Summit Academy was famous across the continent as a training ground for elite adventurers, mages, and prospering Tower climbers. While anyone could basically get in, the difference between each class in a grade was basically night and day.

Even more dangerous was the Tower that loomed over Summit, into which Academy students could venture if they wanted to. More importantly, the Tower was indeed part of the curriculum. Whichever the case, attending Summit meant placing oneself in the center of the world’s competition, and thus, in the eyes of the many famous Guilds using the Tower as a means of profit.

“You intend to enter the Tower?” Jade asked, just to be sure.

Celestia lifted her chin a notch. “What other reason could I have for pushing myself like this?”

Jade’s face hardened in concern. He opened his mouth, then closed it, struggling to find a tactful way to respond. In the end, he abandoned a flowery approach and said bluntly, “If you attempt to climb the Tower, you will die.”

“And?” she replied.

Just one word delivered quietly.

Jade stared at her, momentarily taken aback. He seemed at a loss for how to respond to her lack of shock or protest, or simply what nobles usually did, acting as if they were above such challenges and nothing would happen to them.

Instead, she gazed at him steadily, as if he’d merely stated the sky was blue.

Seeing he was struggling, Celestia decided to make herself unmistakably clear.

She stepped closer to him, just enough that she had to tilt her head back slightly to meet his eyes. “Sir Jade,” she said, using his name and title with firm resolve, “I am under no delusions. I know exactly what kind of place the Tower is and how I currently measure up.” Her voice was steeled with conviction. “That is why I must train. That is why you are here.”

Jade opened his mouth, but Celestia pressed on, her tone growing sharper. “House Reingarde has contracted you to prepare me for the Tower’s trials. You have been paid handsomely, I’m sure. I expect you to fulfill that contract.” Her eyes narrowed just a fraction. “Or do you intend to renege on the agreement because you think the task too difficult?”

At that, Jade’s expression shifted to one of mild alarm. “I would never,” he said quickly. “I’m sorry, Lady Celestia. I had no intention of insulting you or breaking our agreement.” He bowed his head once in apology. “I only wanted to make you fully understand the dangers. But I see that you do.”

Celestia realized she had leaned forward challengingly without noticing, and promptly eased her posture. She hadn’t meant to vent her frustrations on him so harshly.

But at the same time, a part of her was glad to see that he took her words seriously. The last thing she needed was a trainer who coddled her.

Jade let out a breath and lifted his gaze again. “I understand,” he said. “We have a great deal of ground to cover in a short time, and the process will be extremely difficult. I will do everything I can to equip you for the Tower.”

Celestia gave a small, sharp nod.

“Very well.” Jade regarded her one last time from head to toe. “Let’s start without further delay. We’ll begin with running.”

Celestia took a deep breath and moved to follow him. The sun had risen higher while they spoke, it was now a bright mid-morning, the golden light beaming down warmly on the training field. A dirt track circled the large field, and beyond it stood a line of old oak trees with their leaves swaying gently in the summer breeze.

Stolen story; please report.

Jade walked her to the edge of the track. “We’ll do laps around the field,” he instructed. “Run until I tell you to stop.”