Let's Train Heroine

Lucan and Maris finally stood at the summit of the snow-capped mountain, the wind howling gently around them. The crisp, cold air filled their lungs as they took in the panoramic view of snow-covered valleys and glistening peaks.

Despite the concerning sight of Alec, one of the academy's students, being swallowed by the snow earlier, Lucan had made a calm, calculated decision. Alec, after all, had chosen to train in isolation. These kinds of accidents were bound to happen in such circumstances. While it seemed heartless, Lucan knew that Alec would survive.

"Lucan-sama, you've been quiet for a while," Maris's soft voice broke through his thoughts, her light blue eyes searching his face.

Lucan shook his head with a slight smile. "It's nothing, Maris," he said gently, adjusting his gloves. "Now then, it's time for us to ski. Do you remember everything I taught you earlier?"

Maris, wrapped in a thick white coat with fur-lined cuffs, smiled brightly. The snow beneath them sparkled as her long, pink hair fluttered in the breeze. "Of course! You said not to go too fast at first and to form a wedge with the skis to control speed, right?" she repeated confidently.

Lucan gave her an approving nod. "Exactly. The 'snowplow' is what beginners need to learn first. It helps keep your speed under control as you go downhill." He watched her, his expression softening at her enthusiasm. Despite her angelic beauty, she could still act so childlike.

Maris gave a small laugh, her cheeks already flushed pink from the cold. "Don't worry, Lucan-sama. I'll do my best!"

Lucan couldn't help but smile at her optimism. "Alright, but take it easy. No rushing," he reminded her. For a moment, he considered using magic to protect her from the possibility of injury, but then he discarded the idea. Maris's physical strength was far beyond that of an ordinary human. Bullets couldn't harm her, so a fall on snow certainly wouldn't, either.

Lucan took the lead, gently pushing off and gliding down the mountain. His skis cut smoothly through the snow, the rhythm of his movements natural and fluid. The cold wind bit at his face, but it was exhilarating. He hadn't skied in years, but it was a skill that came back easily, like riding a bicycle.

"Whoa!" Maris's voice rang out behind him, making Lucan turn his head.

"Are you alright?" Lucan asked.

"Yes, I'm fine!" Maris responded, her voice brimming with excitement. "This is amazing! It feels so new... so different from anything I've experienced!" Her face was radiant, her pink hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of silk.

Lucan watched her closely as she descended. Although a bit wobbly at first, Maris quickly found her balance. Her stance was cautious but steady, her skis slicing through the snow in wide, controlled arcs. It was clear she was determined to follow Lucan's instructions.

The two glided down the slope together, the peaceful silence of the snow surrounding them, save for the rhythmic swish of their skis. Lucan was impressed by how well Maris adapted, her natural grace evident even in the unfamiliar activity.

When they reached the base of the mountain, Lucan slowed to a stop, waiting for Maris to catch up. She came to a halt beside him, slightly out of breath but beaming with happiness. "That was incredible!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe I didn't fall!"

"You did really well," Lucan said, genuinely impressed. "It's not easy to ski down a slope on your first try without any spills. I'm proud of you."

Maris's eyes sparkled with pride at his compliment. "It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, Lucan-sama." She brushed some stray snowflakes from her coat and added with a laugh, "Skiing is so much fun! It's slower than flying, but it's thrilling in its own way."

Lucan raised an eyebrow, confused. "Flying?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Maris blinked and then giggled. "Yes, flying! I've flown with wings before. You know, like this!" She stretched out her back, and suddenly, large, white wings unfurled gracefully, the snowy backdrop enhancing their angelic appearance.

Lucan had forgotten that Maris could fly—one of her many otherworldly abilities. He smiled to himself, slightly amused that he had been teaching her to ski when she could simply take to the skies.

"Flying is usually faster than this," Maris continued, her face lighting up with the memory. "But skiing was... peaceful. It's nice to be on the ground every once in a while." She looked up at the mountain peak and then back at Lucan with a mischievous smile. "Shall we go again?"

Lucan nodded, but before he could respond, Maris turned her gaze to the lift. It was beginning to fill with people, long lines of skiers waiting for their turn to go back up.

Maris tilted her head in thought. "The lift is so slow and crowded. We could just fly up instead. What do you think?"

Lucan opened his mouth to object, but Maris was already ahead of him. "Don't worry!" she said brightly, "I'll cast a barrier around us so no one will see. It'll be quicker this way."

And before Lucan could protest, Maris scooped him up with ease, her wings stretching wide as she took off into the sky. The snow-covered slopes became a blur beneath them as they ascended swiftly toward the peak.

"Maris, I can fly on my own, you know," Lucan said, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. Being carried by Maris felt almost ridiculous, considering his own abilities.

Maris laughed, her musical voice ringing out in the crisp air. "I know! But it's faster this way. Besides, it's not often I get to carry Lucan-sama!"

Lucan sighed but allowed her to carry him as they soared back up the mountain. The landscape stretched out beneath them, a vast expanse of white and silver as the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the horizon. The cold wind whipped past them, but with the barrier Maris had cast, it was like being in a peaceful bubble, suspended high above the world.

As they neared the summit once more, Lucan couldn't help but smile to himself.

They touched down softly on the snow at the summit. Maris let Lucan go with a playful grin, her wings still fluttering behind her.

"Alright, let's ski down again!" she said eagerly, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Lucan chuckled, adjusting his coat. "You know, Maris, I can fly, too. I don't need you to carry me."

Maris blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then she burst into laughter, her wings folding behind her as she smiled at him warmly. "Well, I suppose next time, we can fly together."

And with that, they prepared for another descent.