Danmachi: Hephaestus is my Wife

*Eryk's POV*

After demonstrating how I fought against monsters, Tsubaki looked extremely disappointed. Her expression showed me that I was quite clumsy with a sword. I already expected to be bad at fighting, but this bad?

The first thing Tsubaki did was give me a long lecture.

She explained everything that was wrong with my stance. The way I swung my sword, and every aspect of my movements. However, she did praise my confidence.

"Even though you have no skill at all, your confidence is enviable. Your confidence will help you improve quickly."

"I'm not sure if I should feel happy hearing that all I have is confidence..."

"It's a compliment. Some people never improve because they lack confidence and are afraid to face monsters."

"That makes sense. But now… what is the correct stance? I'm using the one Hephaestus taught me."

"The Goddess taught you?" Tsubaki exclaimed in surprise. "Your stance is so terrible that I didn't think anyone had taught you before. I trust in the Goddess's skills, so I think you just didn't learn properly."

"Are you just going to keep talking, or are you actually going to help me fix my weaknesses?"

"Alright, alright, that's why I'm here, after all. First, the way you hold your sword is wrong. You grip it so tightly that your hands shake, which is unnecessary."

"Do I really do that?"

"Go on, hold it the way you did before."

I got into position as Tsubaki instructed.

"See? Your sword is trembling. Your hand is also very red, showing that you're gripping it too hard. You're focusing more on just holding the sword rather than moving it properly. Try to hold it more gently and take a deep breath."

Following Tsubaki's instructions, I did as she said.

I held the sword more lightly and swung it gently.

I don't feel any difference.

"That's better," Tsubaki said, satisfied. "Now, about your movement. Your body is too stiff when you fight, and you barely move. Try to make your body lighter."

"So you're saying I should relax my body and make each movement more fluid?"

"Yes, that will help you. Of course, this is just to improve your movement. Your sword techniques are still awful. Also, I noticed you don't pay attention to your opponent's movements."

"It's easier if I just kill them before they try anything."

"Do you think all monsters will be that easy? We need to improve your techniques."

"And how am I supposed to do that? By fighting monsters?"

"No. This time, you'll fight me. Let's find a suitable place."

Tsubaki started walking away. I kept my eyes on her back, not believing what I had just heard.

This woman… does she even know how to teach someone?

Well, they say the best way to teach is through hands-on practice…

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After searching for a few minutes, we found a suitable place on the second floor of the dungeon. We encountered a few adventurers along the way but simply ignored them. Most of them were men, and the majority stared at Tsubaki with rather lustful looks.

However, she didn't care at all.

"I think this spot is good," Tsubaki said.

We arrived in a room. It wasn't very big, but it was enough for a sparring session.

"Since I'll be training by fighting you, wouldn't it be fair for you to give me back my sword?"

"No. Just holding this sword, I can tell there's something special about it. What is it?"

"The sword has two abilities. One increases the magic of the wielder, and the other boosts their speed. I want to use it to increase my movement speed. Fighting you without it is unfair."

"I see, so that's why you want to use it…" Tsubaki unsheathed the sword and examined it. Then, she swung it before pointing it at me.

"I'll be using this for now."

"What!? You're joking, right!? You're already way stronger than me!"

"There's nothing better than fighting someone much stronger to improve your skills. Come on, don't be scared. You can attack whenever you want." Tsubaki continued pointing the sword at me.

We stared into each other's eyes for several long seconds until Tsubaki lost patience.

"Hurry up! Why are you stalling so much!? Don't you want to train!? Just attack me already!"

"Why do I feel like you just want me to attack so you can beat me up?"

"Of course not. I just want to have a little fun."

"As long as you don't chop off one of my arms, I guess it's fine." I pointed my sword at Tsubaki and said, "Here I go."

Unlike when I was using my previous sword, my movements were much slower.

I ran towards Tsubaki and swung my sword. I did so without gripping it too hard or tensing my body too much.

Clearly, my movement had improved, but I was still way too slow!

Clang!

Tsubaki casually raised her sword and easily blocked my attack. She didn't even flinch. She just kept looking at me as if I was nothing special—like I was truly weak.

And she wasn't wrong.

It was frustrating. I clicked my tongue and started swinging my sword rapidly.

The sound of our blades clashing echoed through the dungeon room. Tsubaki didn't move from her spot. She just stood there, swinging her sword with ease. That's when I lost my patience.

I started making bolder moves.

I tried to strike at her legs, her back. I moved around her as quickly as I could, attempting surprise attacks. But Tsubaki remained in the same place, only moving her sword.

Before I knew it, I was out of breath. Even after giving it my all, I couldn't make her take a single step back.

It was so frustrating that I felt like cursing at her.

But I held myself back.

"Are you angry?" Tsubaki raised her sword and pointed it at my forehead. "You got irritated and started attacking mindlessly again. There's no way you'll ever hit me like that. Use your head."

"It's impossible. Even if I try to make a smart move, you'll definitely avoid it. You were already strong, and now you're using my sword too. Like I said, it's unfair."

"Alright, then I'll do this." Tsubaki tossed the sword away. "Try to hit me now."

She spread her arms wide, flashing me a grin.

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Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/parodygirl

Next chapters: Chapter 44 - Much faster. / Chapter 45 - Did I kill Tsubaki? / Chapter 46 - You learn very quickly. / Chapter 47 - Do you have a lot of ores? / Chapter 48 - Leveling up. / Chapter 49 - Freya's curiosity. / Chapter 50 - What are you two doing? (Hephaestus's POV) / Chapter 51 - Ex-girlfriend.