Mystimona's gaze shifted towards Mari who stood by the doorway. "Mari, did you feel anything... unusual when you held this sword?"

  Mari's eyes widened with a flicker of recognition. “Now that you mention it, Mystimona," she replied. "I did feel a strange energy when I held the sword. It was like... a surge of power that overwhelmed me."

  Mystimona's brows furrowed. "It seems like this sword has a deeper connection to you than we initially thought. Perhaps it somehow tapped into a hidden aspect of your being."

  Mari nodded. Her gaze became fixed on the sword. "It's possible, but how do I unlock its true power? And what exactly is this power it holds?"

  Mystimona sighed. "I wish I had the answers, Mari, but for now, we should focus on our mission and head towards the East. We can continue to investigate the sword's mysteries along the way."

  Mari nodded in agreement. "You're right, Mystimona," she replied. "We can't let this distract us from our goal. Let's get going."

  Mari and Mystimona find themselves on a beach, the gentle waves lapping against the shore. The sand stretches out before them, warm and inviting. The air is filled with the scent of salt and the distant cries of seagulls. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the scene.

  The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the beach. Mari and Mystimona stood side by side with eyes fixed on the vast expanse of sand stretching out before them. The sword that had been passed down through Mari's family for generations was now at Mystimona's side. Mari was letting Mystimona hold onto it.

  "The Eastern Jancito is just beyond this beach," Mari said. "We have to make our way through here if we want to reach it."

  Mari turned her attention to Mystimona, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "But before we continue, I think we should have a little fun on the beach. What do you say, Mystimona?"

  Mystimona looked at Mari, perplexed. "Fun on the beach? What do you mean? There are no people to battle here. How is that any fun?"

  Mari's mouth dropped to the floor. "Mystimona, you don't know how fun the beach can be! It's not just about fighting. There are so many things to enjoy—games, swimming, and just relaxing."

  Mystimona's confusion deepened. "Games? Swimming? I never really thought of it that way."

  Mari's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Exactly! Come on, let me show you. There’s so much to do, and you'll see why it's fun!"

  With that, Mari grabbed Mystimona’s hand and pulled him along the beach. They first stopped at the shoreline where Mari demonstrated how to skip stones. Mystimona watched, initially awkward but soon finding a rhythm as he managed to skip a few stones himself.

  Next, Mari led Mystimona to a spot where she set up a small beach volleyball net. She showed him the basics of the game, and soon, they were engaged in a friendly, if somewhat chaotic, match. Mari's laughter filled the air as Mystimona clumsily tried to hit the ball over the net.

  After their game, Mari led Mystimona to a cozy spot where they laid out a blanket and enjoyed a simple picnic. By the time they finished, Mystimona felt a newfound appreciation for the beach and its simple pleasures. He looked at Mari with a smile. "You were right, Mari. This was… actually pretty fun."

  Mari beamed, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "I’m glad you think so! Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break and enjoy the moment."

  Mari looked at Mystimona thoughtfully. "Mystimona, there's something I've been meaning to—"

  Before she could finish, Mystimona cut her off. "Mari, I think I understand where this is going. We should focus on our mission. We still need to head East."

  Mari’s eyes widened with surprise, but she nodded. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Oh, right. But you know, I was just enjoying our time together and—"

  Mystimona stood up, brushing sand off his clothes. "We need to keep moving. Besides, I heard there's a tournament in East Jancito that I want to enter."

  Mari turned curious. "You’re really going to enter the tournament?"

  Mystimona nodded. "Yes. I want to see what it’s like and maybe test my skills. What about you? Are you thinking of entering as well?"

  Mari sighed with a hint of frustration. "I would love to, but I don’t think I stand a chance. I haven’t trained enough, and from what I hear, the competitors there are really strong—some are even stage 3 sword magic users or mages with extreme magic abilities…. Some even have the Sword god form."

  Mari turned her gaze to the ground. "I’m just not sure if I can catch up in time. I feel like it’s a bit beyond my reach."

  Mystimona observed Mari with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Mari, from what I see, it seems like you’ve been putting in the effort, but you might be stuck in a rut. Ten years of training without much progress… that’s tough."

  Mari looked up, a flicker of hope mingled with skepticism in her eyes. "So you think I need more training? But it’s not just about training; it's about the type of training I’ve been doing."

  Mystimona shook his head. "Not exactly. I don’t think you need more sword training per se. Maybe what you need is a fresh perspective. I don’t use a sword myself, but I’ve seen a lot of different combat styles and strategies. I could help you see things from a different angle."

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  Mari’s eyes widened with interest. "You’d do that for me?"

  Mystimona nodded firmly. "Absolutely. Sometimes, a new approach can make all the difference. I can share some insights that could help you refine your techniques and find new ways to use your abilities."

  A smile began to form on Mari’s lips. "Thank you, Mystimona. I appreciate your offer. I’m willing to give it a try if it means improving my skills."

  Mystimona and Mari began to walk along the beach for some time. Mystimona soon turned to Mari with a serious look. "Alright, Mari, I’ll help you with your training like I said, but there’s one condition—you have to enter the tournament. It’s the perfect way to test what you’ve learned and push yourself beyond your limits."

  Mari’s eyes widened, and a bright, eager smile spread across her face. "Really? I’ll do it! I wanted to enter the tournament and give it my best shot anyways!"

  Mystimona was taken aback by her immediate and enthusiastic response. "You’re that eager to enter?"

  Mari’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Absolutely! I’ve always wanted to prove myself and learn new things. This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m ready to take it!"

  Mystimona chuckled nervously. "Well, I’m glad to hear that. Let’s get started on your training then."

  He handed Mari her sword. "Here’s your sword back. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m sure we can make a difference."

  Mari took the sword with a confident look. "Thank you, Mystimona. I’m really looking forward to this!"

  Mari and Mystimona found a secluded spot on the beach to begin their training session where waves crashed against a shore. They stood facing each other. Mari gripped her sword tightly with eyes fixed on Mystimona. He stood with his hands at his sides.

  "Alright, Mari," Mystimona began. "First, we need to work on your stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your knees slightly bent. This will give you a stable base from which to attack and defend."

  Mari adjusted her position, following Mystimona's instructions. She could feel the sand shifting beneath her while settling into her stance. She became more grounded and balanced.

  "Now, focus on your breathing," Mystimona continued. "Inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This will help you to stay calm and centered during the heat of battle."

  Mari closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath in and slowly exhaling. She could feel her heart rate slowing, her mind clearing. She let go of any distractions and focused solely on her training.

  "Good," Mystimona nodded. "Now, let's start with some basic strikes. Hold your sword with both hands, and swing it in a controlled arc from your right side to your left side. Remember to keep your wrists loose and your grip firm."

  Mari followed Mystimona's instructions, swinging her sword with precision. The sound of the blade cutting through the air echoed on the beach. Mari repeated the motion again and again, honing her technique.

  "Excellent," Mystimona praised. "Now, let's move on to parrying. I'm going to try to hit you from different angles, and your job is to block my attacks with your sword. Focus on timing and positioning."

  Mystimona thrusted his fists out at her. He came from various angles. Mari reacted swiftly, deflecting each blow with her sword, her movements becoming more fluid and instinctual with each parry.

  "You're doing great, Mari. Keep your focus, and remember to anticipate my movements. A successful parry requires not only skill but also the ability to read your opponent."

  Mari nodded while locking eyes on Mystimona. They spent hours on the beach, practicing strikes, blocks, and footwork. Mari could feel her muscles aching and her body growing tired, but she pushed through.

  Suddenly, amidst the sound of crashing waves and the cries of seagulls, Mari heard someone echoing in her mind. It was her sword, calling out to her with an unyielding anger.

  "Mari," the sword whispered seductively, "he has put his hands on us, treated us as if we were lovers. Only you can make that fantasy come true."

  Mari shook her head. "No," she muttered, speaking aloud to the empty beach. "It’s not like that. This is training. Mystimona is just helping me improve."

  The sword grew more insistent, wrapping around her thoughts like a dark fog. "But think about it, Mari. He's shown interest in you. Why not take this chance to explore those feelings? You can’t deny the connection you feel."

  Mari's eyes widened in shock at the dark thoughts invading her mind. The seductive nature of her own desires began to seep into her movements.

  When she swung her sword, her strikes became imbued with a seductive energy, catching Mystimona off-guard. Her movements were both alluring and dangerous, a deadly combination that left him momentarily stunned.

  Mystimona began to notice a peculiar change in her movements. Her strikes were now infused with an alluring grace. Each swing of her sword was accompanied by an almost hypnotic twirl. Her evasions and pounces had taken on a seductive quality, making it difficult for Mystimona to predict her next move. Before he could react, one of her strikes caught him off-guard, slicing across his arm.

  Mystimona grimaced. The pain was sharp, but what startled him more was the strange energy he felt emanating from the cut.

  He looked at Mari, who was now standing with a sultry look.

  "Mari?" Mystimona looked at her with concern. “That was… impressive, but you're not acting like yourself anymore, are you... Just who are you now?"

  Mari's eyes twinkled mischievously. She continued to move with grace and allure. "Oh, Mystimona, don't you recognize me? I am not just Mari anymore. I am Zataris, a Succubus, and I am here to make you submit to me."

  Mystimona's confusion deepened, his brows furrowing in consternation. "A Succubus? What is a Succubus?"

  Zataris laughed softly. "Oh, my dear Mystimona, a Succubus is a seductive creature who feeds off the life force and desires of others. We possess an irresistible allure, capable of captivating even the strongest-willed individuals."

  Mystimona’s face hardened. "What do you want from me, Zataris?"

  Zataris’s eyes glinted with a seductive gleam. “Isn’t it obvious, Mystimona? Both Mari and I have the same desire. We want you. I am here to make you submit to my will. I will stop at nothing to have you.”

  Mystimona’s took a defensive stance while narrowing his eyes. “I see. So, you’ve got a one-track mind. Well, I won’t make it easy for you."

  Zataris lunged with a swift and graceful attack. Mystimona observed her movements, feeling a anger building within himself. “This thing is possessing Mari,” he thought to himself, “and Mari is somewhat aware of it. But...”

  Drawing on his resolve, Mystimona’s defensive skills sharpened. He dodged and parried with newfound precision.

  Zataris’s frustration grew by the minute. “Why won’t my love reach you?” she purred with irritation. “Why resist me so much?”

  Mystimona seemed imposing while he looked down at her. “Did you think I was only talking about training Mari earlier? Clearly, she isn’t the only one who needs it. You, Zataris, need discipline.”

  The mention of discipline struck a nerve. Zataris’s eyes flared with anger. “Discipline? How dare you! I am a force of nature, bound by none!”

  Despite her anger, Mystimona remained focused. “That’s exactly why you need it. Your seductive games and manipulations aren’t going to win this fight. You’ve got power, but without synchronization with your wielder, it’s meaningless.”

  With a sudden burst of speed, Mystimona launched a swift and powerful strike towards Zataris. Unable to defend herself in time, Zataris was caught off guard. She was sent flying across the sandy beach.

  Zataris crashed onto the sand with a thud, her body skidding along the surface before coming to a stop. She struggled to regain her composure.

  Slowly, Zataris rose to her feet. "You truly are strong, honey... I… underestimated you, my love!"

  Zataris prepared to launch another attack when she suddenly felt a strange sensation ripple through her body. Confusion clouded her mind.

  "No, no! I was just about to try something new!" Zataris complained, but before she could react, a piercing scream escaped her lips, echoing across the beach. The scream caught Mystimona off guard.