Chapter 32: Shifting Perspectives

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the guild building, S-Class training grounds. Rin and Celine stood at the edge of the shooting range; their practice weapons laid out before them.

Celine adjusted her stance, her earlier nervousness replaced by a newfound confidence. "You're getting the hang of it," she said with a small smile. "Your aim is consistent, and your movement between cover has improved a lot."

Rin set down the practice gun, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. "That's thanks to your teaching," she replied warmly. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

Celine blushed faintly, her earlier shyness flickering back for a moment. "You're too kind, Miss Felstone."

"Aria," Rin corrected gently. "Please, call me Aria."

The young shooter hesitated before nodding. "Aria, then."

They began gathering the practice weapons and tidying up the training area. As they worked, Celine glanced at Rin, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "If you don't mind me asking…, why are you learning ranged combat? I mean, Guides aren't usually combatants. Espers protect their Guides, even at the cost of their lives. It's how things are supposed to work."

Rin paused, her hands stilling over a stack of targets. She turned to Celine, her expression thoughtful. "You're right," she began. "Espers are trained to protect their Guides. Evelyn and the others would put themselves in harm's way for me without hesitation. But that's exactly why I can't take it for granted."

Celine tilted her head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want to be a burden to my team," Rin said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Even if they're willing to protect me, I can't just stand by and let them risk their lives while I do nothing. I want to be strong enough to protect myself—to contribute to the team in any way I can."

Celine studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. "That's… admirable. Most Guides wouldn't think that way. They'd just accept the protection as part of their role."

Rin smiled faintly, but her thoughts drifted inward.

Rin's Inner Monologue

It wasn't just about contributing or avoiding being a burden. Rin's resolve had been forged in the crucible of the last dungeon she had entered with her team—a harrowing experience that was still fresh in her mind. It had been her first mission with them, barely a week after she'd joined.

When the dungeon shift occurred, everything had gone wrong. Her team had been wiped out, rendered unconscious. Left alone, Rin had been forced to act. It was in that moment of desperation that she had tamed her second beast, Aurelis. The memory of the massive chimera like creature coming into existence still sent shivers down her spine.

The rules of dungeons were unyielding. Each one was unique—a self-contained world with its own monsters, traps, and resources. Gates, the glowing portals that served as entry points, were permanent fixtures. But the dungeons themselves were not. They vanished after a set time limit, which varied wildly. Some lasted mere hours, while others could stretch on for months or even years.

This unpredictability was why Guides were required to accompany their teams. The prolonged use of Esper abilities within a dungeon could lead to corruption—a dangerous phenomenon that could only be mitigated by a Guide's presence. Rin's role wasn't to fight but to ensure her team's survival. Yet, in that dungeon, she had been forced to step beyond her role.

And she knew it wouldn't be the last time.

"Aria?" Celine's voice pulled her back to the present.

Rin blinked, shaking off her thoughts. "Sorry, I got lost in my head for a moment."

"It's okay," Celine said softly. "I think I understand now. You're not just trying to protect yourself—you're trying to protect them too."

Rin nodded. "Exactly."

They finished packing up the equipment, and Rin slung her bag over her shoulder. "Thanks for today, Celine. I really appreciate your help."

Celine smiled; her earlier timidity replaced by a quiet confidence. "It's my pleasure. You're a quick learner, Aria. I'm sure you'll be great at this in no time."

As they stepped out of the training hall, Rin spotted a familiar figure waiting just outside. Evelyn stood with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Rin.

"You're here early today," Rin said with a smile, though she noted the tension in Evelyn's posture.

Before Evelyn could respond, Celine froze. Her face went pale, and she quickly bowed. "I… I have to go. Goodbye, Aria!" she stammered before hurrying off, not sparing a second glance.

Rin watched her retreating figure with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Well, that was unexpected."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Who was that?"

Rin, brushing past Evelyn. "Let's go home. I'll tell you on the way."

Back at the Apartment

The cozy warmth of their apartment greeted them as Rin and Evelyn stepped inside. Evelyn set her coat on the rack, her expression still clouded with curiosity and concern. Rin busied herself in the kitchen, pouring two glasses of water before joining Evelyn at the dining table.

"Alright," Evelyn said, leaning back in her chair. "Now tell me—who was that girl?"

Rin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Do you trust me, Elyn? And Guild Master Vera?"

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Of course I do. Why?"

"Then let me explain," Rin said, meeting her gaze steadily. "You know I've been trying to learn ranged combat. Since no one on our team has that expertise, I asked Guild Master Vera to recommend someone trustworthy to teach me. That was Celine. Today was our first session."

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed slightly as she processed the explanation. "I see. And you're sure she's trustworthy?"

Rin nodded. "Guild Master Vera personally vouched for her. I wouldn't have agreed otherwise."

Evelyn sighed, her worry easing into reluctant acceptance. "Alright. If Vera trusts her, I'll trust her too. But be careful, Aria. I don't want you putting yourself at risk unnecessarily."

Rin smiled, touched by Evelyn's concern. "I will. Thank you."

The next morning as Rin approached the S-Class training hall entrance. She spotted a familiar figure standing near the doors, shifting nervously from foot to foot. Recognizing Celine, Rin quickened her pace.

"Celine!" Rin called out, a note of concern in her voice. "How long have you been waiting here?"

Celine turned, startled by the sudden approach. "Oh, Aria. It hasn't been that long," she said with a faint smile. "I didn't have an access card for the training hall, and since it's restricted to S-Class members, I couldn't get in. I also didn't have your contact information, so I wasn't sure when you'd arrive."

Rin frowned, guilt flickering across her face. "I'm so sorry about that. I should've thought of this earlier."

"It's alright," Celine said quickly. "I didn't mind waiting."

Rin shook her head, already pulling out her watch. "No, it's not alright. Let's fix this now." She accessed the training hall's system and created a temporary visitor card, handing it to Celine. "Here, this will let you in whenever we have practice."

Celine accepted the card hesitantly. "Thank you, Aria."

"And let's exchange contact information too," Rin added, tapping her watch. A soft chime confirmed the connection, and Celine's watch lit up with Rin's details. "Now you can message me if there's ever an issue."

Celine nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and surprise at Rin's thoughtfulness. "I appreciate it."

"Alright," Rin said, her usual warm smile returning. "Let's get started."

Afternoon Break

The morning passed in a blur of drills and practice, with Rin steadily improving under Celine's guidance. By midday, they decided to take a short break. Rin leaned against a bench, sipping water, while Celine stretched her arms.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the training hall, and both women turned to see Evelyn entering. Her presence was as commanding as ever, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Rin.

"Taking a break?" Evelyn asked, her tone neutral but firm.

Rin straightened up and greeted her with a smile. "Yes, just for a moment. Evelyn, this is Celine, my long-range combat instructor. Celine, this is Evelyn Ardane, S-Class Esper and my team's captain."

Celine stiffened under Evelyn's piercing gaze, quickly bowing. "It's an honor to meet you, Captain Ardane."

Evelyn gave a curt nod, her expression unreadable. "Likewise."

The brief exchange ended, and Rin turned back to Evelyn. "Are you free today?"

"I just finished my tasks for the day," Evelyn replied. "I thought we could work on your close-range combat practice. But if you're taking a break—"

"I'm fine," Rin interrupted eagerly. "Let's get started."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow but relented with a small sigh. "Alright. Let's go."

Rin turned to Celine. "Today's lesson is done, so feel free to rest or head home if you'd like. I'm going to work with Evelyn now."

Celine nodded, watching as Rin and Evelyn moved to another part of the training hall. Despite her initial hesitation, she found herself staying, curiosity drawing her to observe their session.

Celine sat on the sidelines; her hands clasped tightly in her lap as her eyes stayed fixed on the pair preparing for their sparring match. Evelyn unsheathed her sword with an air of practiced ease. The blade was sleek and deadly, its polished surface catching the hall's bright lights. By contrast, Aria stood calmly, her twin short blades in hand, her stance steady and composed.

The difference between the two was stark—Evelyn's presence was like a storm, commanding and unyielding, while Aria's was serene, almost disarming. And yet, as they faced off, there was an undeniable equilibrium between them.

Celine couldn't help but recall the day Guild Master Vera had summoned her to the office. The request to train an S-Class Guide had come as a shock. Guides of that caliber were exceedingly rare, their power and status setting them far apart from the rest. Most S-Class Espers and Guides she had encountered were distant, dismissive, and carried an air of superiority that made interactions with them strained at best.

In their guild, only one S-Class Esper existed: Evelyn Ardane. Her reputation preceded her—a living legend whose immense strength was only matched by the chilling rumors that surrounded her. Evelyn was a figure to be admired from afar, not approached lightly. Celine had assumed Aria, as Evelyn's Guide, would be cut from the same intimidating cloth.

But Aria had been nothing like she expected.

When they first met, Aria's politeness had taken her aback. Her voice was calm, her demeanor warm and approachable. Celine had been skeptical, thinking it was all a façade—a courtesy extended in the presence of the Guild Master. She had seen enough high-ranking Espers and Guides who acted kind only when it suited them. Yet, throughout their lesson, Aria's genuine nature never wavered. Slowly, Celine found herself easing into the training, her wariness melting under Aria's steady encouragement.

Now, as Celine watched Aria square off against Evelyn, her thoughts churned.

The Practice Match

Evelyn made the first move, her sword slicing through the air in a blur of silver. The sound of the blade cutting through the space between them was sharp, almost menacing. Aria reacted instantly, her short blades coming up to parry the strike. She stepped back, creating distance, her movements fluid and deliberate.

The two began to circle each other, the tension between them palpable. Evelyn was relentless, her strikes precise and unyielding. Each swing of her sword was a test, probing Aria's defenses, forcing her to adapt. Aria, however, was quick on her feet. She darted in and out of Evelyn's range, her agility giving her the edge to deflect attacks and look for openings.

The clash of metal echoed through the training hall as the spar intensified. Aria's determination was evident in every move she made. Even when Evelyn pushed her to her limits, Aria's focus never wavered. She was relentless in her own way, meeting Evelyn's strength with her own resolve.

Celine's Thoughts

Sitting on the sidelines, Celine felt a sense of awe creeping over her. She had been skeptical when Aria first told her she wanted to learn combat to avoid being a burden to her team. Most Guides, even those who claimed they wanted to fight, eventually gave up when they realized the sheer difficulty of combat training. Celine had assumed Aria would be no different—just another Guide with lofty aspirations and no real follow-through.

But now, watching Aria hold her own against Evelyn, an S-Class Esper whose strength was the stuff of legends, Celine's perspective began to shift.

When I saw Captain Ardane yesterday, my instincts screamed at me to run. Her aura was overwhelming, suffocating even. S-Class Espers have a presence that feels like it could crush you, and Captain Ardane's reputation only amplifies that feeling. People don't approach her for a reason. The rumors about her… they're not exactly friendly.

But Aria… she's nothing like that. She doesn't have that suffocating presence. Instead, there's something calming about her, something that puts you at ease. It's easy to forget she's an S-Class Guide—a rarity so extraordinary that most of us have never even seen one in our lifetimes. And yet, here she is, standing toe-to-toe with someone as powerful as Captain Ardane.

Celine's mind drifted back to their earlier conversation. Aria had said she wanted to learn combat so she wouldn't be a burden to her team. At the time, Celine had dismissed it as just another empty promise. But now, watching Aria fight with such skill and determination, she wasn't so sure anymore.

Maybe… just maybe… Guides won't always stay in the back. Maybe one day, they'll stand side by side with their Espers in battle.

The Shift

The sparring match ended with Aria landing a hit on Evelyn's shoulder—a glancing blow, but a victory nonetheless. Evelyn stepped back, her expression unreadable, before giving Aria a small nod of approval. It was a rare acknowledgment from someone as stoic as the captain, and it spoke volumes.

Celine watched in silence, her thoughts a whirlwind of admiration and confusion. Everything she thought she knew about Guides and their roles was being challenged. Aria wasn't just different—she was extraordinary.

And for the first time, Celine wondered if the future of Guides was about to change forever.