The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
A week has passed since Kuu became part of the family.
And their training was now approaching its final stage.
"……"
I faced Suzu-san in her awakened state.
Even after fighting her over and over like this, I still couldn’t get used to it.
The pressure she emitted was immense—if I didn’t stay fully focused, it felt like I’d be swallowed whole.
"Ha!"
Strike first for victory.
I kicked off the ground and closed the distance instantly.
I pressed my fist against Suzu-san’s abdomen…
And with all my strength, I swung through in one motion.
"Too slow."
"Tch!"
But Suzu-san was already gone.
It was an afterimage.
I hurriedly turned around, but that was the wrong move.
She hadn’t gone behind me—she had moved to my side.
A high-speed kick came flying in.
Guarding… wouldn’t make it in time!
In that case, to reduce the damage even a little, I jumped backward at the moment of impact.
Even so, I couldn’t completely nullify the force.
"Gah!?"
For a moment, my consciousness faded.
My vision spun wildly in all directions…
And then, a heavy thud ran through my entire body.
It seemed I had slammed into a nearby tree trunk.
I didn’t have the strength left to stand and collapsed as I was.
And then…
"Kon!"
"On!"
Kuu and Sakura came running over, licking my cheeks as if asking if I was okay.
"Ah… yeah, thanks. I’m fine."
Suzu-san was holding back, so it wasn’t like my bones were breaking or anything.
I did have the usual scratches and bruises, but thanks to the power I gained from my contract with Finia, they would heal over time.
"You still have a long way to go."
Suzu-san released her awakened state and extended her hand toward me.
I took it and stood up.
"I concede…"
"Your movements have improved somewhat. But you make too many poor decisions—that’s a negative. Your reactions are also slow. And when it matters most, your attack power is lacking."
"Ugh…"
Her merciless evaluation honestly hit hard.
That said, Suzu-san’s criticism was justified.
It had been almost two weeks since I arrived at the village of the Cat Spirit Tribe.
Aside from the day we played at the beach, I had been training every day…
Yet I still hadn’t achieved any significant results.
"Let’s call it a day."
"Rain, good work."
"Here, a cold drink."
Kanade handed me a towel, and Tania offered me a drink.
"Thanks."
"Still, Rain, you’re tough. Training every day against your mom when she’s going all out… Even I get training from her sometimes, but every day is just impossible."
"It’s something I chose myself. I can’t afford to complain."
"How’s it going for you, Kanade? You’re training to freely enter your awakened state, right?"
"Nyaa… kinda meh? I feel like I almost get the sense of it, but not really—it’s just not working out very well."
"Same here. Since we have the chance, I’ve been having Mom teach me how to awaken too, but it’s no good. I can’t get it at all."
It seemed like everyone—not just me—had hit a wall.
This is rough.
I want to grow stronger, a lot stronger… but I can’t break through.
I know there’s no point in rushing…
And yet, I can’t help but feel impatient.
"Rain?"
"…I’m going to take a walk."
"Then I’ll come with—"
"Don’t. Read the room, you hopeless, hopeless, hopeless cat."
"Three ‘hopelesses’!?"
I appreciate Kanade and Tania’s kindness, but right now, I want to be alone.
I wandered through the Cat Spirit Tribe’s village.
"Hey—anyone want to join me for a hunt?"
"If you don’t mind me."
"I’m in too."
Cat Spirit Tribe members were everywhere, each living their own lives.
They were a rare species, yet there were so many of them.
If scholars saw this place, they’d probably be overjoyed.
During these two weeks, I had gotten to know quite a few of them.
Exchanging greetings along the way, I headed deeper into the forest.
"This is a nice place."
The air was clear.
And nature was abundant—animals could be seen all over.
It felt like a forest brimming with life… full of vitality.
Maybe that was the influence of the Cat Spirit Tribe?
"Phew…"
I thought being in a place like this would calm me down, but not really.
The frustration of not being able to break through still lingered, leaving my chest unsettled.
Something was missing.
But I didn’t know what that something was.
"What should I do… hm?"
Suddenly, I heard the sound of water from deeper inside.
Up ahead… if I remember correctly, there should be a lake.
Curious, I made my way toward it.
"Ohh…"
The trees opened up, revealing a fairly large lake.
The water was so clear I could see the bottom.
Various fish swam energetically within it.
"Hmm-hmm~"
Then I noticed a male member of the Cat Spirit Tribe sitting by the lakeside, fishing on a chair.
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