HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

In the Far East, during the eleventh year of Bunshō era, Shinano...

Time had passed almost imperceptibly over the years, and Kallen found herself having resided in Yae Village for several long seasons.

The years passed in relative peace, without any significant incidents. Due to its unique location, even though Yae Village lay within Shinano, a region fiercely contested by feudal lords, it remained largely unaffected.

The villagers lived in near seclusion, rarely venturing outside their community, and with few outsiders ever visiting them.

Since Kallen's arrival in Yae Village, there were fewer large-scale natural disasters. As a result, the villagers could live decently well.

Perhaps aware of Kallen's disdain for outsiders, most villagers refrained from disturbing the Mikos and Kallen at the Shrine unless absolutely necessary.

Over the years, many people changed, especially the children.

Yae Sakura, once a young girl, had grown into a graceful maiden. Standing at nearly 170 centimeters tall, her martial arts training since childhood gave her an irresistible aura of courage.

And that young girl—Yae Rin—had reached the transitional age between a little girl and a teen. As Yae Sakura's younger sister, it was only natural that she was also incredibly beautiful.

Only Kallen...

Over the years, time had left not a single trace on her. It was as if her time had completely frozen at her most beautiful moment.

Compared to a few years ago, Kallen's height, age... everything, had not changed in the slightest.

It was as if she were like that never-aging 17-year-old "woman," no... Beautiful Miss Kallen actually looked even younger than that woman. Judging by her face alone, she appeared to be about 15 or 16 years old.

Because Kallen's appearance hadn't changed, the now-grown Yae Sakura... actually looked to be the same size as Kallen.

The two seemed like childhood friends or close companions of the same age.

"K-Kallen... you said it yourself. If I pass your trials, you'll give me the same power as yours. No backing out now!"

Behind the shrine, in a somewhat open area, Yae Sakura stood with a katana on her back. Two black objects faintly visible at her waist were guns.

As Yae Sakura gazed at Kallen before her, excitement filled her heart. For the past few months...

Kallen had taught everything she could to both Yae Sakura and Yae Rin. She let them train on their own until they felt ready to face her in combat. Then... Kallen would grant them the power of Valkyries... Stigmata!

"Of course, I won't go back on my word. But are you truly confident you can pass the trials?" Kallen looked at Yae Sakura, now roughly the same size as herself. Yae Sakura had become nearly identical to the Valkyrie of the same name.

Except for the absence of fox ears.

Facing this Yae Sakura who appeared to be the same size as her, Kallen simply told her to drop the "Sis" and call her Kallen from now on.

After all, because Kallen had a slightly youthful face, she now looked even younger than Yae Sakura.

"Absolutely..."

Yae Sakura gazed at Kallen, her fighting spirit brimming with confidence born from long months of rigorous training.

"That's all that matters... Come, let us begin!"

Kallen unsheathed an ordinary-looking katana, eager to gauge Yae Sakura's current strength.

"Very well... let the trials commence!"

As the trial began, Yae Sakura walked beside Kallen, then stopped... Gripping her sword hilt, she looked intently at Kallen before her.

Having constantly received training from Kallen, Yae was well aware of Kallen's strength. Even the most powerful swordsman in the Far East might not withstand a single blow from her.

"Strike!"

Yae, observing Kallen, realized her opponent had no visible openings. She understood that maintaining this stalemate would be futile, so she swiftly chose an opportune moment.

With lightning speed, she drew the blade, unleashing a powerful strike towards Kallen.

Clang.

Kallen's arm moved with precision, blocking Yae Sakura's attacking samurai sword. The collision of blades produced a melodious sound.

The initial blow missed its mark... failing to achieve any significant effect. Without hesitation, Yae swiftly retracted her blade, maintaining a two-handed grip on the katana... and swung towards Kallen from a different angle.

But...

Clang!

The same sound rang out again as Kallen blocked Yae Sakura's attack once more.

"Falling Cherry Blossoms Slash!"

Undeterred by her blocked attack, Yae Sakura swiftly changed tactics, unleashing a fivefold Sakuratoi barrage...

Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang...

However, with each fluid motion of Kallen's katana, Yae Sakura's assaults were completely parried. The clash of blades produced a symphony reminiscent of metal being forged.

Standing to the side, Yae Rin watched her sister spar with Kallen, her face brimming with silent encouragement for Yae Sakura.

She harbored no concerns for Kallen; such worries were unnecessary. Yae Rin's hope lay in her elder sister gaining Kallen's approval through this trial.

Completing the test...

Yet... the spectacle of Yae Sakura and Kallen's duel left Yae Rin utterly captivated. The battle was nothing short of exhilarating, despite Kallen remaining on the defensive and not initiating a single move.

With the final strike of the Falling Cherry Blossoms Slash, the most powerful katana maneuver, Yae Sakura's attack was still effortlessly thwarted by Kallen.

Undeterred, Yae's body twisted at angles unfathomable to the average person, launching an extreme kick towards Kallen with one foot.

Even those professionals who had honed their bone flexibility since childhood would find such a sequence incredibly difficult to execute. One can only imagine the extraordinary suppleness Yae Sakura's body had reached at this moment.

She executed with ease what would be considered impossible "postures" for most.

If they were in bed...

(TL Note: 0_0)

Unfortunately, even though Yae Sakura delivered a sudden and powerful kick towards Kallen, the latter effortlessly blocked it using her arm at the last moment.

The instant her kick was deflected, Yae Sakura retracted her leg and executed a swift, practiced roll, immediately distancing herself from Kallen by several meters. Without a moment's hesitation, she drew her twin guns and opened fire on Kallen.