I WAS Humanity's HOPE-Chapter 26: Extra lesson

Master Kirsch called an end to the session, though he first delivered a short lecture on footwork, pivoting, and the importance of measured aggression. "Some of you," he noted pointedly, glancing around, "need to practise stepping into your strikes rather than retreating at every hint of trouble. A good offence is often the best defence, especially at low levels. Bear that in mind."

Richard didn’t linger. The moment the class was officially dismissed, he made his way over to Nadia, who had retreated to a quiet corner, fiddling with the straps on her armguard.

"You all right?" he asked softly, leaning his shoulder against the wall. He caught a faint whiff of lavender from her hair, which was still slightly damp with sweat.

She gave a half-hearted shrug. "Fine," she said, although her voice was tight. "It was just a spar. I lost—badly, yes, but that’s nothing new. Angel was always better than me."

He studied her, noticing the defiance in her gaze. She wasn’t on the verge of tears, but the sting was there. "If it’s any consolation," he offered, "plenty of people struggle against her. She’s dedicated... and a bit snobbish."

A hint of a smile flickered across Nadia’s face, but it held little genuine warmth. "Snobby or not, she’s still miles ahead. I hate feeling helpless when I can’t land a single blow."

She flexed her fingers as though recalling the jolt of her sword being knocked aside. Silence fell between them.

Eventually, she exhaled sharply, gathering her courage. "Will you help me train? You’re the only one who hasn’t lost against her in a duel," she said, her voice firm despite its softness. "I can’t keep losing like this."

Richard arched an eyebrow, a trace of amusement lighting his features. "You want me to help with your swordsmanship?"

A gleam of determination sparked in her eyes. "Look," she said, "I know you’re not exactly a swordsman—more of a dagger expert—but you’re calm under pressure, and the way you handle your blades is something else."

He tilted his head, considering. He wasn’t a master swordsman, but within their group, he was as good a teacher as any. Besides, perhaps he could provide moral support and tactical advice more than anything.

"All right," he said at last, his tone casual. "We’ll give it a go. When do you want to start?"

Relief flickered across her face, though she forced herself to remain composed. "Is tonight too soon? I really don’t want to wait. I know Angel will be gloating in class tomorrow, and I’d like to work out at least a few of my mistakes."

I could invite her to my... my family’s place, he thought, hesitating long enough to see her shift anxiously. Why didn’t I ever get a place of my own?

Richard shrugged. "Tonight’s fine. I’ll see what we can do at your place."

Nadia nodded, a determined glint returning to her eyes. "All right. Thanks, Richard."

He slipped his hands into his pockets, giving that understated nod that was so typically him. "Any time," he said.

...

Twilight had settled over the city, most windows glowing with the warmth of hearths and lamps. Nadia’s house, however, appeared quietly subdued, its modest façade blending in with the neighbouring buildings so neatly that one could walk past without noticing.

He paused at a small gate set into a low stone wall. Beyond, a narrow path led to a dark oak door, simple but well-kept, with a frosted glass window on the top half. Light flickered within.

Richard’s footsteps crunched on the scattered pebbles as he approached. After a brief hesitation, he pressed the doorbell and waited.

A muted chime echoed from inside. Seconds later, the door opened to reveal Nadia in a plain grey tunic and dark trousers. Her hair was plaited in a loose braid, and she looked both anxious and relieved to see him. A faint blush coloured her cheeks. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"You found it," she said, offering a tentative smile. "I was worried you might get lost. The street signs round here can be confusing."

Richard gave a slight shrug. "I remembered the routes—one from the pub, the other to the Guild."

He wondered idly about her family, unsure whether they’d once lived here with her or if she rented alone. She’d never brought it up, so he kept his curiosity in check.

"Shall we?" she asked, stepping aside to let him in. She closed the door behind him with a soft click. "We can practise in the back garden. It’s not large, but it’s private. The neighbours shouldn’t mind a bit of swordplay."

"Huh. I didn’t realise you had a garden," Richard remarked, letting his arms hang loose at his sides.

Nadia reddened slightly. "To be fair, you were otherwise... busy, so you never had a chance to explore."

He laughed softly, and she turned away, as though to hide the flush rising on her cheeks.

She led him down a short hallway into a comfortable sitting room. A lone armchair and a small sofa faced a fireplace that looked as though it hadn’t been lit in days. Beyond, a tall window overlooked the garden, illuminated by the dim glow of dusk.

She unlatched the back door and motioned for him to follow. The garden was indeed modest—a square of grass, an ageing oak tree in one corner, and a low fence separating it from the adjacent plots. Several herb pots were lined up along a small shelf, their leaves stirring gently in the cool evening breeze.

"It’s not quite the Guild’s training hall," Nadia said with a faintly apologetic air, "but at least we’ll have privacy."

Richard nodded, scanning the area. "It’ll do," he replied. "We just need enough space to move about without tripping over anything."

She gave a quick nod and collected two blunt practice swords, which leaned against the fence. They were a bit battered, with dulled edges and nicked hilts, but seemed sturdy enough.

Richard hefted one, testing the balance. "Where did these come from?"

"My father," Nadia answered. "He used to be a hunter. He’s... not around, so I ended up with his equipment."

Oh.

Richard didn’t pry further. Instead, he accepted the sword from her, meeting her eyes with calm focus. "Let’s see if we can put them to good use. Shall we start with some footwork drills?"

Nadia nodded resolutely. "I’m listening."

He demonstrated a basic stance—feet shoulder-width apart, weight subtly forward.

"Try not to lean back so much," he murmured, tapping Nadia’s shoulder lightly with the flat of his blade. "I noticed you backing away from Angel’s strikes. That surrenders your momentum."

She grimaced. "Easier said than done. When someone comes at you that quickly, your instincts tell you to dodge."

"I get it," Richard acknowledged. "But sometimes offence is the best defence, exactly like Kirsch said earlier. If you give Angel too much ground, she’ll keep pressing until you’re cornered, and then you have nowhere to go. Try pivoting to the side while attacking, forcing her to shift her angle. That might open up a moment for a counter."

Nadia inhaled slowly, squared her shoulders, and began practising small, deliberate movements—stepping to the side and simulating a thrust. At first, her motions were stiff and cautious, but with Richard’s quiet guidance, she gradually smoothed them out.

They spent the next half hour drilling footwork. The lantern light cast shifting shadows on the grass as they moved—Nadia’s form flowing from stance to stance while Richard offered calm corrections. Though he maintained a slightly aloof manner, Nadia appreciated the clarity of his instruction.

Eventually, she paused to catch her breath. "Let’s try a proper spar," she said, her eyes lit by the familiar spark of determination. "I need to feel some pressure."

Richard allowed himself a slight smirk. "All right. Just don’t blame me if you end up sore tomorrow. I’m not known for being gentle."

She gave a short laugh. "I’ll take my chances."

They moved to opposite sides of the small lawn. Nadia gripped her sword in both hands, her gaze narrowing. Richard settled into a casual stance, sword angled down, as though he had all the time in the world.

Nadia lunged first, striking for his shoulder. Richard deftly sidestepped, lifting his blade horizontally to parry. The steel edges met with a muted thud, and for a moment they locked, Nadia pushing hard to disrupt his balance.

He let her test his guard before twisting lightly and flicking his blade round to tap her side. "Dead," he murmured.

She released a soft huff of annoyance, stepping back to reset. "Right. That side pivot again."

He nodded. "Exactly. Try forcing me to block in a more awkward spot."

They repositioned. Nadia advanced more quickly this time, feinting high and then cutting low. Richard raised his brow at the change but parried the lower strike, hooking her sword aside. Before he could counter, she performed the side-step he’d suggested, bringing her blade in a diagonal slash towards his hip. He twisted sharply to knock it away.

"Better," he acknowledged, easing back a step. "Again?"