The Courageous, high above Erebonia's rolling mountains. The hum of the ship's engines filled the air with a constant, subtle vibration. Onboard, Class VII and their allies busied themselves with preparations for their next mission.

The training room aboard the Courageous was modest but functional, outfitted with all the essentials needed for maintaining peak condition. Fie, seeking a quiet place to stretch and sharpen her reflexes, pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The rhythmic clang of a greatsword meeting metal training dummies echoed in the room, and Fie immediately spotted Laura. The Arseid heiress was a blur of power and precision, her blade arcing through the air with controlled ferocity. Sweat gleamed on her brow, and her movements carried a tension that was unusual even for her.

Fie leaned against the wall, crossing her arms and observing quietly. After a particularly heavy blow cleaved a training dummy clean in half, Fie decided to speak.

"Geez, what'd he ever do to you," she quipped, her voice light but carrying enough volume to catch Laura's attention.

Laura paused mid-swing, turning to Fie. Her breathing was steady despite her exertion, but there was a flicker of frustration in her usually calm expression.

"Fie," she said, acknowledging her friend with a nod before sheathing her greatsword. "I didn't expect anyone else to be here."

Fie shrugged and pushed off the wall, walking over. "Needed a break. Figured I'd find some peace and quiet in here but looks like someone's working through something."

Laura glanced at the shattered remains of the training dummy and exhaled softly. "I suppose I am. It's just… Duvalie."

Fie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The Swift, huh? She really gets under your skin, doesn't she?"

Laura's grip tightened on her sword hilt, her frustration momentarily surfacing. "fast—so fast that I can barely keep up. Each time we cross blades, it feels like she's mocking me. I can't stand being so easily outmaneuvered."

Fie tilted her head, her sharp eyes studying Laura carefully. "She's definitely a tough one. But it's not like you're doing badly against her. She respects your strength—you can tell by how seriously she fights you."

Laura frowned, her expression conflicted. "Respect or not, I can't afford to lose to her. Not when so much is at stake."

Fie stepped closer, her usual air of nonchalance replaced by something more thoughtful. "Duvalie's fast, sure. But speed alone doesn't win fights. You've got strength that she can't match, and the teachings of the Arseid style. You just need to play to your strengths while figuring out hers."

Laura glanced at Fie, her expression softening. "You make it sound so simple."

Fie smirked. "Hey, dodging fast attacks is kind of my thing. Want me to show you a few tricks?"

Laura blinked, surprised by the offer. "You'd spar with me?"

"Sure," Fie said, drawing her twin gunswords and twirling them idly. "Duvalie's quick, but so am I."

They moved to the center of the training room, squaring off. Laura gripped her greatsword with both hands, her stance strong and grounded. Fie, by contrast, was light on her feet, her movements almost lazy as she sized Laura up.

"Ready?" Fie asked, her tone teasing.

Laura nodded, her expression focused. "Come."

The sparring match began with Fie darting forward, her strikes quick and precise. Laura parried each one, but Fie's speed forced her to stay on the defensive.

"Don't just follow my movements," Fie said, her voice calm even as she moved. "Anticipate them. Watch my body, not just the weapons."

Laura gritted her teeth, adjusting her stance. She focused on Fie's center of gravity, noting the subtle shifts in her posture. When Fie feinted to the left, Laura was ready, countering with a sweeping strike that nearly caught Fie off guard.

"Nice," Fie said, grinning as she dodged. "You're getting it."

The spar continued, with Fie gradually increasing her speed and forcing Laura to adapt. The sound of clashing steel filled the room, but neither of them seemed to tire.

Finally, Fie called a halt, stepping back and lowering her weapons. "That's enough for now. You're getting better at reading me."

Laura sheathed her sword, her breathing heavier now but her expression more at ease. "Thank you, Fie. Your insight is invaluable."

Fie shrugged, her smirk returning. "What are friends for?"

As they cooled down, sitting on the bench along the wall, Laura turned to Fie with a thoughtful expression.

"You're right about playing to my strengths," she said. "And about Duvalie. She's not invincible, no matter how fast she is."