The morning sun barely peeked over the town of Axel, casting a warm glow on the fields just outside its walls. The bright sky above the massive mansion you became a part of brought hopes for a new and productive day of adventures and training and many more things. At least, that was the hope.

You'd hardly set foot out of the mansion and into the courtyard before Darkness was there before you, clad in her heavy armor with her piercing blue eyes alight with a familiar gleam. She gripped the hilt of her sword, almost bouncing in excitement as she finally saw you exit outside.

— Hey! You… you’re already up and ready? She called, voice a bit breathy from the eagerness bubbling inside her.

— That’s perfect! I know we just sparred the other day… but I can’t resist your... your...

Darkness' stammering was clearly hinting at something else, which made you recall about how Kazuma had warned you about her when you joined the party. Darkness, a skilled yet… peculiar crusader, had a particular penchant for strength—especially when that strength was used against her in battle. Her smile held a mix of anticipation and thrill, and you knew well by now it wasn't because she thought she’d win.

— ... your... amazing fighting style! Darkness finally finished, her eyes practically gleaming.

Darkness quickly readied into her stance, her armor rattling as she braced herself, seemingly. Her gaze was anything but timid, holding a familiar look of excitement, one that she gained ever time she got to experience a clash of strength.

— Please, show me more of what you know. Go all out and don't hold back this time!