The day after his chess match with Hajime, Takeda Fumio dedicated himself to work for a continuous 24 hours, preparing a training program for Hajime and Kuro. 

Both boys were the hands and arms of the group, making their strengthening his most pressing priority, especially in light of the outcome of their last mission.

"Kusanagi-san, Kamijo-san, today we commence your training. We will begin with something straightforward."

The uppermost floor of the operational base, the training field, had been specifically prepared for the three of them.

"Let us start with some basic exercises; do you know how to use the equipment?"

"I do, but I fail to see why I should waste time lifting weights when my specialty is stealth."

Goto's stepson silently agreed with his teammate, though he would never confess it aloud.

"Simply because you are weak. Very weak."

"What!?" (Kuro)

"............" (Hajime)

The black-haired teenager felt insulted by Fumio's words. He was not arrogant enough to believe himself invincible, yet until now, Kuro had always considered himself superior to most of his peers.

"You both possess excellent potential, but no one has guided you in the right direction. Kusanagi-san, when your stealth fails, how do you intend to defend yourself?"

"With my scythe, my knives, or my powers!"

"Ah, I see. Then do it."

In an instant, Fumio leaped in front of Kuro. The boy instinctively attempted to utilize his powers, forgetting that the thirty-year-old could nullify any type of magic with his left eye.

With a swift punch to the stomach, the young mage fell to the ground, heaving to suppress his breakfast.

"I mentioned that I find Yukihime-sama's methods too 'physical,' but sometimes they are indeed necessary. Had I been your enemy, I would have killed you, and that is because your body is untrained for close combat. Is everything clear?"

"Y-yes."

"Good, do you have any questions, Kamijo-san?"

"Just one. Besides close combat training, what else will you teach us?"

"The control of mana. From what I observe, both of you are terribly lacking in that area."

Hajime looked at Fumio, perplexed; for him, mana control began and ended when magic was activated or deactivated.

"Imagine that your mana is akin to your blood. If it circulates too much in one area or too little, your body would suffer severely. The same applies to your powers; without a proper flow, you can never give your 100%, not to mention it will help you conserve your reserves. Moreover, there are numerous techniques that utilize mana control which can be valuable to you. We will tackle those later... ah, one last thing, from now on, address me as Fumio-sensei."

*Hajime in the past*

The training was grueling. Unable to spend too much time at the base without raising suspicions, Fumio-sensei ensured that I pushed my body to its limits by having me exercise for a few, but intense hours each day.

I was forbidden from using my magic during these sessions. Each day, my body screamed in agony from exhaustion. Yet, the results were evident.

My physical potential increased my body's capabilities; the better my foundational skills, the more pronounced the improvement. I had nearly enhanced my overall strength by 40% in such a brief period. This was also possible thanks to the strict diet I adhered to under Fumio-sensei's orders.

Thus, several weeks passed, and Kuro, the "shadow fool," and I were in agreement on one matter: we would never see eye to eye on any topic. Whether it concerned the simplest matters, like the weather, or the more complex, such as our teamwork, neither of us was willing to compromise.

Fortunately, I, Kohaku, and Cloe-san got along reasonably well, even though the latter was busier than both of us combined. Apparently, Fumio-sensei was experimenting with various methods to allow her to use her powers without consequences, but so far, he had failed spectacularly.

"Today, I will teach you how to use your mana to protect your body. Essentially, as you already know, even the weakest of D-rank mages could stop a bullet. This is due to our mana elevating our bodies to a level far beyond that of a normal human."

Fumio-sensei began an extensive explanation on how we could absorb blunt and penetrating strikes using a layer of mana as a barrier.

"This technique is called mana manipulation: armor. Some of the most experienced mages I've encountered in my life could even fuse their magics with this technique. For instance, an old friend of Yukihime-sama could use his explosive power to become an unstoppable combatant in close quarters... there were very few who could defeat him in that arena."

Fumio-sensei looked at me with a complex expression after speaking of that man who wielded explosive magic. Honestly, I did not understand why.

"Very well, begin."

The exercises to manipulate mana proved challenging and exhausting. The moment I let my guard down or lost focus, I had to start all over. After a week of strenuous effort, I succeeded in grasping the fundamentals.

*P.O.V. end*

"Excellent work, Kamijo-san. You are a natural talent, just as I suspected. Kusanagi-san, you have also made significant strides, and it is for this reason, my dear students, that I have prepared gifts for you."

Kuro and Hajime couldn't help but smile at the praise. Training had been arduous, but it yielded commendable results; neither of them could dispute that. Moreover, receiving accolades from their master was genuinely pleasant, not that either of them would ever admit it aloud.

"I have crafted new weapons for you both. I personally made them, so I hope you appreciate them."

Fumio revealed the instruments he had created for them. The thirty-year-old couldn't help but chuckle at the excited expressions on their faces.

"Kuro, this one is for you."

The mage handed the black-haired adolescent a scythe. Unlike the one he typically wielded, this was black, significantly smaller and lighter, and featured three blades instead of one at the end.

"This weapon is called Bloody Sickle: Carmilla I. It is made entirely of pure titanium, making it more durable and lighter than your previous weapon. I had a friend enchant it during its creation, allowing you to channel your shadows more easily through it."

"Why three blades?"

"It suits your style; you may not realize it, but your fluid and unpredictable fighting manner does not lend itself well to a traditional scythe. You will need to practice, but trust me, you will come to find it agreeable."

"Thank you, Fumio-sensei."

"You're welcome. Now this one is for you, Kamijo-san."

Fumio then produced a katana for Hajime. However, it was distinctly different from any he had ever seen: the blade was blood-red, the handle featured small holes for the hands, and the guard was round, equipped with small square and transparent containers.

"This is the weapon I made for you, called Blood Katana: Tepes I. Given your lack of control necessary to use your new magic optimally, I crafted this for you. The holes in the handle release small needles that draw and store your blood within the guard, thereby eliminating the need for you to injure yourself every time you want to use it. Like Carmilla I, it is fabricated from titanium and enhanced by magic to facilitate the use of your power."

Goto's stepson grasped the katana with both hands. Just as his Sensei had instructed, small needles extended from the handle, drawing his blood into the guard.

"Go on, give it a try."

"[Overwrite]: [Blood Katana]!"

Just as he had been instructed, Hajime easily utilized his new magic. His blood flowed from the guard's containers to the blade of the weapon. Green electric discharges coursed through the metal without significant resistance.

"Thank you, Fumio-sensei."

"You're welcome. Now practice."

As the two boys began to experiment with their new toys, the mage turned to leave the training room.

"Oh, just so you know. Kamijo-san, find an excuse not to return home tomorrow afternoon. I have a mission for you."