Mathieu opened the door to the Training Room, allowing JiYeong to go ahead of him.

“We’ll be using swords today.”

She hadn’t gotten much sleep. The last bit of conversation with Piers made JiYeong realize she really needed to get her story straight. Piers wasn’t the only person who asked questions, and she was having a hard time remembering who she told what. Eventually, someone was going to put two and two together and figure out she wasn’t who they thought she was.

Because of that, JiYeong spent the better part of the night coming up with where she was from, when she came to Whitewall, when she started sword training, and other information she felt was important.

By the time she had fallen asleep her head was spinning from trying to remember what little she knew about Allumia.

When morning hit, JiYeong had debated feigning sick just so she could get rest.

Despite being excited at learning something that didn’t involve Mathieu tossing her about the room, JiYeong couldn’t help but feel apprehension. She had never done anything remotely close to swordplay. And it was here Mathieu would see she really had no idea what she was doing. What he likely already suspected.

Last night’s struggle would be worthless.

Mathieu appeared in front of JiYeong with a sword. It was two-handed, though he made it look as if it weighed nothing, holding it easily in one hand.

“Very basic training today.” He held the sword out to her. “It is a two-handed sword, so grab it with both hands.”

“I know.” JiYeong grumbled under her breath, trying not to let the hesitation show as she reached out to grab the sword. And she did know, if only because her character used the very same sword.

There was something about holding it in her very on hands that brought a tightness to JiYeong’s chest. She forced a breath when Mathieu disappeared back into the Armory, willing herself not to panic. It was going to be fine. Mathieu was treating this as if she were a Novice. He was expecting her to be messy.

No, he’s expecting you to at least know what you’re doing.

She drew in another slow breath. All she needed to do was draw knowledge from her years playing Allumia Crossing. Sure basic knowledge wasn’t the same as personal experience but if she kept a clear mind she wouldn’t be starting completely from scratch.

Mathieu returned with a sword in similar weight and length, flipping it around as if it weighed little more than a stick.

“If these are two-handed swords, why are you holding yours with just one hand?” Her sword sat so the tip dragged against the mat lightly. It wasn’t extremely heavy but it still took too much effort to hold the sword up casually.

“I am a Lord Knight. We use one-handed swords because we need our other hand for our shields. Besides, the weight of this sword isn’t much different than the one-handed swords I use, and I don’t think it will make much of a difference at this moment.” He lifted his sword, gesturing for her to do the same. “We will start with footwork. Raise your sword.”

⚔⚔⚔

It only took half an hour for JiYeong to regret getting out of bed that morning. Her arms were sore from having to hold the sword up for so long, and she kept tripping over her feet. It was the most basic thing a Swordsman learned and here she was no better than a fresh-faced Novice.

And though Mathieu said nothing about her very obvious lack of skill, he would be an idiot not to notice.

“Keep light on your feet JiYeong.”

Mathieu neared her again, which caused her to stumble backward. It was getting harder for JiYeong to keep the frustration off her face.

It wasn’t as if she wasn’t trying. But he was seeing her as Guardian JiYeong. Expecting something she couldn’t deliver. JiYeong had never fought with a sword, never so much as held one.

So far below their expectations, and trying to live up to them was becoming more and more difficult. The pain in her arms, and the pounding of her head made the hopelessness she'd tried so hard to ignore lodge in her throat.

I have to get home.

That was the easiest way. Sure she would go back to working a meaningless job, but she would have Lilia, and she would be in familiar territory. Without the pressure of being someone she wasn't. It was easier to give up now, confess that she couldn't help and beg for a way home.

“Focus!”

Before she could react Mathieu knocked the sword out of her hands and had her pinned to the wall, his sword pressed against her throat. Pain shot through her back as a result of hitting the wall and JiYeong sucked in a breath, the knot in her chest dangerously close to bursting.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed? If so you are doing one hell of a job.”

JiYeon turned her head away from him, blinking away the sudden tears of anger. Sword fighting was making everything too real. The inadequacies of being Champion were blaring in her face. JiYeong longed for home now more than she had before.

“What has you so distracted?” He murmured then, lowering the sword but not backing away to let her free.

There was no answer. The frown was still in place. What could she say to justify why something that should have come naturally to her seemed so brand new? “It’s nothing.”

“It is only your first day back in action. You cannot expect to be in top shape day one.”

Still JiYeong refused to look at him, or even acknowledge his words. He knew she was a fraud. He had to. Perhaps he was biding his time, waiting until he could tell his mother in secret. Though JiYeong suspected the royal trio all knew.

He let out a sigh, dropping his sword. The clatter brought JiYeong out of her thoughts. Using his free hand he grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. It wasn’t the anger that nearly broke her, but the lack thereof. His eyes were soft, understanding. She didn’t feel deserving of his compassion. “You are too hard on yourself, JiYeong.”

“I’m supposed to be the Champion. Shouldn’t I be hard on myself?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, afraid that if she talked any louder and she would crumble.

When she averted her eyes again Mathieu’s grip on her chin tightened, drawing her gaze to his once more. He didn’t speak right away, eyes studying her. JiYeong wasn’t sure what he was looking for but he seemed to find it, his hold loosening just a fraction. “Do you wish to stop for the day? If you are not feeling well we call it a day and you can rest.”

”No. I'm fine.”

“You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, JiYeong.” He took a step back, holding out a hand. Once she took it he pulled JiYeong from the wall, leading her back to the mat. “You are having the most trouble with your footwork.” He positioned her in front of him, back to his chest. His hands fell to her hips. “Follow my lead.”

⚔⚔⚔

JiYeong found herself back in the library late at night like she had been for most nights. After an hour of tossing and turning she’d given up on sleep and figured she could use the time to do more research. There was an ancient book on summoning she hadn’t gotten very far in.

So far the findings hadn’t been what she’d hoped, and though it was a bit discouraging it didn’t stop her from searching the books whenever possible. There had to be something.

Most of her findings had been about the restrictions on summoning, or what tolls summoning might take on the caster. Iridia had mentioned that attempting to summon her had taken a lot out of her. Though the summoning had been between worlds. Summoners couldn’t possibly do that sort of thing regularly.

There were stories of Summoners attempting to summon Deities and losing their lives as a result. While that finding had been the closest to what she had been looking for, it still didn’t quite give her what was needed.

The main thing that wasn’t mentioned in any of the books was returning someone or something one summoned. How did the beings summoned get back to wherever they came from?

In-game there was a time limit on things summoned. After half an hour, the summoned automatically disappeared. But that wouldn’t make sense in a real-world setting.

JiYeong closed the book in her hand with a frustrated sigh. She was getting more questions and not enough answers.

Nearly two months had passed since she’d been in Allumia. The days started brightly outside, and it was already blazing heat by the time they finished breakfast and started training.

It didn’t feel as if that much time had passed.

“I wonder how time is passing back on Earth.” Was it moving at the same pace? It had been October when she disappeared, so if it were moving just as fast that would make it December on Earth.

But it was too hot to be December in Allumia. If she had to guess, she would put the month at late July or August.

Did anyone notice she was missing? Outside of Lilia and Zaos though, there wasn’t really anyone who would miss her. Certainly not anyone at her job. Provided there was a way for her to contact her friends, was there even a point to keep looking for a way home? In stark contrast to how she'd felt just earlier today, JiYeong wasn't so sure getting home was the correct option. Keeping her hopes up when her research wasn’t getting her anywhere seemed...well hopeless. It didn’t seem worth it.

Allumia wasn’t that bad. She had it so much easier here than on Earth. Aside from having to learn how to Swordfight and the potential of being killed, of course.

Would staying, living a comfortable life as a Guardian, or even the Champion, be so bad?

JiYeong sighed, going to the shelf to put the book away.

Regardless of the answer, she wouldn’t find it here.

“I take it you have not found what you’re looking for. You’ve been in this same section night after night and you always leave frustrated.”

Turning at the voice, a light smile touching her lips as Piers crossed the carpeted floor to stand in front of her, arms crossed at his chest. “What is it our Champion so diligently seeks after?”

“Hopelessly would be a more appropriate word.” JiYeong tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “I don’t think I’m going to find what I’m looking for.”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance? I spend a great deal of time in here.”

“It’s not that important.” The resolution in her voice surprised her, and JiYeong knew then that she was starting to mean those words.

“It’s important enough to keep you in the library every night.”

His answer was a short shake of the head. Piers sat on the edge of the arm of the chair she’d just been sitting in. He always seemed the most relaxed when he was in the library.

“I’m just stubborn. It doesn’t matter.”

He gave JiYeong a look that told her he didn’t believe her. She didn’t like when he did that. It was something he and Mathieu shared; an ability to read her in ways no-one else could. Being perceptive was a trait that was necessary for a Royal she supposed, but it was still unnerving.

“Why do you keep coming in here?” Jieong rocked on the balls on her feet, hands folded behind her back. This morning's training had been particularly brutal, and she had collapsed into her bed as soon as she was able. If it weren’t for the fact that she was having trouble sleeping she would still be in bed nursing her aching body. The other chair was a hard chair pushed against a small table, and not at all comfortable. JiYeong didn’t want to ask the Prince to move so she could sit though.

Piers, in his ever-knowing way, looked down at the chair and then gestured towards it. “There’s enough room for the two of us.”

It felt odd sitting so close to him but JiYeong shuffled her way to him anyway. They had become decent friends during the nights she ventured into the library. Piers probably spent more time in here than she did, so it was almost a certainty she would find him here. Conversation came easily for the pair, so there was never a dull night.

Once she was comfortable Piers began speaking. He wasn’t looking at her though, his gaze not really connected to anything.

“The library is peaceful. Being the heir does not afford me a lot of personal time. I know it may seem like much because mother does a lot of the footwork, but I have responsibilities that take a lot of energy. I like to come to the library to unwind. It has always been a place of solace for me.” He gently nudged her shoulder, finally looking down at her. “Though lately it has been my only opportunity to get to know our Champion.”

A yawn cut off her next comment and JiYeong felt her face grow hot. Piers laughed, shifting a bit. The action caused her to fall into his side.

Piers clicked his tongue when JiYeong tried to move, placing an arm around her back and holding her in place. “You can stay like this. I’m sure you are tired.”

Tired wasn’t the most accurate word. Exhaustion hit her like a bag of bricks and suddenly whatever energy she’d managed to hold onto deserted her body.

She settled against Piers, glad for his warmth and the comfort he brought.

“I was thinking,” he started once she finally stopped moving. “I would like to get to know you outside of our late night meetups.”

The way he said it made it sound like they were sneaking around. JiYeong snickered, ignoring Piers’ questioning look. “What were you thinking?”

“Perhaps a horseback ride? I am unsure exactly how much of Criesal you have been able to see, and I haven’t been on my horse in months.”

YeongGi hadn’t been out since they arrived in Whitewall. He was probably dying to run.

“That sounds like fun.”

“Perhaps one day soon I can pry you from my brother’s grasp.”

JiYeong’s laughter was interrupted by another yawn. Piers squeezed her shoulder, reminding her of his arm still around her back. It was comforting. “Sleep, Champion. I will carry you to your room safe and sound.”