[His promise does get a raised eyebrow from her. Val was admittedly the last person she thought would tell her the truth. Not because she figured him for a liar (he did seem like he exaggerated some) but because she was a nobody, hardly worth his time.]

There is physical training as well as mental. It's not just practicing some fancy magic, but a calling too. You are expected to serve out on the front lines. I'll admit I am still in the training part. I haven't even made myself the handle for a spirit blade yet.