Seraphim is a Bystander

Training with the Master
 

 
A dull metallic clang echoed through the wide training hall, accompanied only by the sound of heavy breathing. In the middle of the space, a long-haired, androgynous boy who hadn’t even hit puberty was exchanging scythe strikes with a woman clad in a martial arts uniform.
“……”

“Haa… haa…!”
The boy swung his scythe with short, ragged breaths, dashing around the woman. In contrast, the woman deflected every attack with robotic precision, her face emotionless and her breathing steady.
“Third time.”

“Guh…!”
Whether from inexperience or inability to read the feint, the boy stepped too close. With a motion that seemed almost sluggish, the woman slid her scythe across his torso. Though the blade wasn't dulled, it was clear this was training—the boy bled lightly where the weapon touched him.
“Don’t stop.”

“Gah!!”
The instant the boy hesitated, the woman knocked his scythe away and drove a kick into his gut. Air burst from his lungs as he was sent flying out of range, but he quickly regained his stance, raised his scythe, and stepped back in.
The silent exchange continued for some time. By the time three more red lines had ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) been etched onto his body, the sound of clashing metal finally ceased.

“Alright! That’s enough for today!”
“Haa… haa… thank you very much!”
The woman, his master—Renka Morimiya—grinned broadly, her stern expression from earlier completely gone. Aoi, catching his breath, gave a bow and returned his scythe to a ring on his bracelet.

“Haa… haa… I still haven’t landed a single hit on you, Master…”
Aoi’s tone carried a bit of self-deprecation, but Renka ruffled his hair with that same big grin.
“Damn right! I’m still active on the front lines—you think some brat’s gonna take me down that easy?”

“Haha… sorry, Master.”
Aoi chuckled, now breathing easier. Renka began tidying up her own scythe in the corner of the training hall and continued.
“But hey, from my perspective, the fact you’re not getting cut dozens of times in just a few years of training is impressive enough!”
“…But you didn’t even move from your spot the whole time.”

“That’s the difference experience makes! You won’t see me go all out ‘til you get a lot bigger.”
“…Mrrrgh.”
Pouting like a typical child now that training was over, Aoi puffed his cheeks. Renka laughed out loud again.

When he had first become her student, Aoi would finish every training session covered in bruises and cuts. He’d taken what must’ve been over a hundred hits per day back then.
“You still need to work on how easily your emotions show! You’ve gotten better, sure, but your moves and expressions are still too readable.”
“You’re just too extreme, Master.”

“Oh? Got a problem with that?”
“Nope, not at all!”
As they bickered, Renka fetched a first-aid kit from the corner and took out a roll of bandages.

“Alright, arm out.”
“…I always tell you, I can do this myself, you know?”
Aoi mumbled shyly, but Renka ignored him and began wrapping his arm with practiced care.

“Nah, making sure my student’s healthy is part of the job too.”
“…Okay…”
Despite her usual rowdy behavior, Renka’s hands were gentle as she bandaged his wounds. Once finished, she checked his body over with a few firm pats, then smacked his back loudly.

“There! All good! Now hurry up and change!”
“Oof… thanks…”
Aoi staggered toward his bag under the forceful push and began changing clothes. As he rummaged through his things, a thought came to him and he turned back to Renka.

“By the way, Master, are you staying around here for a while this time?”
“Hm? Nah, I’ll be heading out again in about a week. Why?”
“Oh, I was just wondering when I could train with you again. Since it’s summer break and all…”

“Ahh, right—summer break, huh?”
Yes—Aoi was currently using his summer break to train with Renka. While other kids his age were playing with friends, he was prioritizing combat training instead. He’d been coming to Renka’s place every time her schedule allowed.
Now, as he looked at her with eyes full of hope, she paused to think, then spoke.

“Aoi, wanna come with me on my next job?”
“…Huh?”
“It’s just a bodyguard gig for some bigwig. Nothing dangerous. If you’re interested, I can pull some strings and bring you along.”

“Really!?”
“Only if your parents say yes.”
The moment she said that, Aoi hurriedly finished changing and activated his nanomachine interface. A semi-transparent display appeared: “Connecting…” Then, moments later, his father’s voice came through.

“”
“Dad! Can I go with Master on her next job!?”
There was a loud choking noise from the other end, followed by a cough.

“”
“She’s right next to me!”
“”

“Sure!”
Aoi cheerfully handed the display over with a swipe. Renka, who had been grinning the whole time, took it and tapped the screen.
“Yo, Kouta! …Yeah, hey! …I’ll send you the details now!”

Aoi watched her speak with his dad, occasionally glancing his way and tapping on the interface. With a huge smile, she kept saying things like, “Aoi’s so excited, y’know?” and “Terrible parenting, not letting him go!”—but as an angel, Seras couldn’t quite follow the nuance.
“…Alright, that settles it!”
Renka ended the call, turned to Aoi with a big grin, and flashed him a peace sign.

“You’re good to go!”
“Really!?”
Aoi beamed with joy, bouncing up and down, while Renka laughed and gave him another rough head pat.

“Alright then! I’ll send your dad the schedule later. For now, you can go home!”
Looking outside, Aoi realized the sun was already beginning to set. A servant from Renka’s household would drive him home, but there was no way his parents would let an elementary schooler wander around this late.
He packed up as instructed, left the training hall, and headed toward the waiting car.

“Thanks for everything today, Master!”
“Yeah yeah, get home safe!”
Even as the car pulled away, Aoi stuck his head out the window, waving vigorously.

“Don’t forget what you said earlier, okay!”
He kept waving and smiling until his Master disappeared from view.