Training session! (Stella/Solomon)

"Indeed, that's the spirit. There are rarely any set rules or patterns in battle. In times of duress, adaption is your greatest weapon."

He wanted to add that a bit of underhanded technique certainly didn't hurt, either, but that could be reserved for a brief period of respite, something Stella was unwilling to offer at the current moment. He defended against the axe blow coming against his legs, but the punch against his face hadn't been accounted for. Since it wasn't within his initial predictions, the blow rung true against his face, his body shifting back by a few meters. Wiping the drip of blood from his mouth, he grinned.

"Now, that's the spirit. Now, let's see how well you maintain that reaction and application when I react."

Like thunder, he shot forth swinging his weapon in a downward stroke against her shoulder. One strike turned into two, two turned into three. He executed them at a pace that was somewhat slower than what he was used to, but they still potent blows nevertheless. It was, after all, a matter of studying and forcing her to increase and improve on her reaction time. If she could do that, and combine it with her Blut, the sky was the limit.

From an observational standpoint, Solomon could tell Stella wasn't used to the rigors a battle of this magnitude presented. There would be more than mindless hollows on the battlefield. Precisely because that would commonly be the case, Solomon felt it crucial to show her what it meant to test oneself in live combat.

Adversity built character, duress increased intensity, and though she faltered now and then, he found that with each clash, she held up relatively well. That was good. The upward swing of her arms sent his blade off course, Solomon deftly sidestepped her kick in an attempt to strike the blunt side of his weapon against her ribs. If it connected successfully, he would give her a brief period of respite.

"That last string of movements was impressive. You fight well, Stella. But pace yourself. Stamina in a battle is important. Do your best to read my movements, and activate your Blut to defend yourself. Arterie is a great tool, but even some of the finest offenses begin and end at defense."

"Exactly like that."

Solomon grinned with amusement as Stella managed to shift her systems in time to defend against his strike. Since she did so, he didn't push the issue, allowing her to catch her breath as he nodded his head, noting the shift of the blue veins against her body. It wasn't clean, but she executed it well enough, and that was the best he could ask for. He was playing the role of a harsh teacher, but he didn't intend on working her into the ground, either. Pulling away to allow her a breather, he grabbed a bottle of water from a training bag and tossed it her way.

"I can tell, but there's no shame in admitting that. Fighting an opponent who can think and adapt for themselves is no easy feat. From my perspective, I'd say you've held up pretty well for your first time."

"C-come on, that's not fair..."

Solomon replied sheepishly, a soft shade of red setting into his expression. Even if it might well have been genuine humor on her part, Solomon didn't feel too happy with the idea he had ruined a cherished item on someone else's person. For the sake of maintaining honor, he would gladly pay to have it fixed. When she quickly consumed her water, Solomon settled into a defensive stance, slightly distracted by her words as he allowed her to take the reigns, employing whatever offense she saw fit.

"If I must, I'll gladly pay to have it fixed, Stella. Now, let's resume our training."

"That's the spirit. Very well, then. Let us continue."

His compassionate tone returned to one of stern intent. The purpose of her training was to impart lessons, not poor memories, but Stella nevertheless took things in stride, earning his genuine respect in the process. Even if her skill was fundamentally lacking, her spirit was undeniable. If she kept at it, Solomon certainly viewed her potential as boundless. Assuming a defense stance, his blade held outward in a two-handed grip, Solomon held his ground in preparation for Stella's next attack.

It was a fierce overhead, directed at his center, but it did not end there. At the very last moment, she activated her arterie, thereby increasing the overall speed and reaction time of her strike. Prepared in advance, he resorted to shifting his system to Arterie as well, parrying her axe upward before pointing her sword at his chest. Should his counter prove successful, he would move back a few meters, offering his instruction.

"A sound maneuver. I recommend stringing an array of strikes together and then using the offensive system. Against a prepared opponent, they can easily read your intent. Overwhelming them with a flurry and then activating your increase in power would fundamentally leave them unable to defend you after the initial clash. Do note that this likely doesn't apply to every opponent. Some will be faster than you, others slower. In other words, pick your spots carefully, Stella."