The carriage rocked gently as it moved along the road back to the estate, the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves filling the silence. I sat with my head tilted back against the cushioned seat, eyes closed, trying to process everything that had just happened.
The wound on my shoulder throbbed with steady insistence, a reminder of how close the Alpha had come to doing serious damage. My muscles ached from the sprint through the forest and the desperate flight from the pursuing pack. My mana pool sat at absolute zero, completely depleted.
But I was alive. That was what mattered.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Crimson Alpha's core. The crystallized mana pulsed with deep crimson light, warm against my palm. It was significantly larger than the cores I'd harvested from regular Crimson Maws, easily the size of my fist. The energy contained within felt dense, potent, quality that matched the beast's peak Novice rank.
The moment my fingers wrapped around the core, I felt the Einsworth Family Saber respond through our soul bond. Not words, but sensation. Hunger. Desire. The blade wanted this core, wanted to consume it and add its power to the slow awakening process.
'No,' I thought firmly toward the weapon. 'This one isn't for you. This is proof of the hunt. I need to show it to Jack first.'
The hunger didn't disappear entirely, but it subsided. The saber seemed to understand, or at least accept my decision. The bond worked both ways, after all. The weapon was part of me, but I was also its master. It would wait.
I was tucking the core back into my pocket when the system screen materialized in my vision with its characteristic chime.
[Combat Assessment Complete]
[Analyzing performance...]
The text scrolled across the translucent blue panel, and I straightened in my seat, paying full attention.
[Victory Achieved: Crimson Alpha (Novice Peak-tier) defeated]
[Combat evaluation: Exceptional performance. Defeated opponent with significantly superior physical attributes through tactical application of learned techniques and strategic use of available resources.]
[Rewards Calculated:]
[Rank Advancement: Congratulations! You have met all requirements for Novice rank.]
[- Attribute Threshold: Exceeded (140/100)]
[- Mana Development: Achieved (Mana Circulation - Intermediate)]
[- Combat Experience: Achieved (10/10 Novice-tier equivalents)]
[Note: Defeating a peak Novice-tier opponent while Unranked counts as multiple standard Novice-tier defeats for advancement purposes.]
[You are now officially recognized as Novice Rank (Low-tier)]
The words seemed to shimmer with significance. Novice rank. I'd finally crossed the threshold from Unranked to actually being recognized by the world's power system as a legitimate combatant.
More text appeared below.
[Rank Advancement Effects:]
[- All attributes increased by 2 points]
[- Mana capacity increased by 10 points]
[- Physical capabilities enhanced to match new rank]
[- Mana circulation efficiency improved]
[- Recovery speed increased]
[New Title Acquired: Rank Ascendant]
[Title: Rank Ascendant]
[Rarity: Common]
[Description: You have successfully advanced from Unranked to Novice rank through your own efforts. This title marks the beginning of your journey as a recognized combatant.]
[Effects:]
[- Experience gain from combat increased by 5%]
[- Slightly improved learning speed for combat-related skills]
[Additional Rewards:]
[First Light proficiency increased significantly due to successful combat application]
[First Light (Basic) 3% → 8%]
[Skill Usage Analysis: Successfully executed First Light twice in actual combat with optimal results. Killing blow achievements: 2/10]
[New Achievement Unlocked: Alpha Slayer]
[Achievement: Alpha Slayer]
[Description: You have defeated a pack leader variant beast in single combat. Alpha-class creatures represent the peak of their species within their rank tier.]
[Reward: +3 to Strength, +3 to Agility]
I stared at the screen, hardly believing what I was reading. The rewards were substantial. Attribute increases. Rank advancement. Proficiency gains. A new title and achievement.
'Let me see the full picture.'
I dismissed the current screen and pulled up my complete status.
[Status]
[Name: Kaine Einsworth]
[Race: Human]
[Age: 16]
[Title: Cursed and Unfortunate | Blade Born | Saber Garden's Chosen | Rank Ascendant]
[Rank: Novice (Low-tier)]
[Attributes:]
[Strength: 29 (24 + 2 + 3)]
[Agility: 33 (28 + 2 + 3)]
[Endurance: 22 (20 + 2)]
[Intelligence: 20 (18 + 2)]
[Wisdom: 17 (15 + 2)]
[Mana: 0/55 (45 + 10)]
[Luck: -5]
[Skills:]
[- Saber Arts (Basic) - Level 2]
[- Mana Circulation (Intermediate) - Level 1]
[- First Light (Basic) - 8%]
[- Phantom Step (Basic) - 1%]
[- Heaven Splitter (Basic) - 1%]
[- Blade Sense (Basic) - 5%]
[- Poison Resistance (Basic)]
[- Savage Slash (Basic)]
The numbers were significantly better than before. My strength had jumped from twenty-four to twenty-nine. My agility had increased from twenty-eight to thirty-three. My mana capacity had grown from forty-five to fifty-five.
But more importantly, I was officially Novice rank now. The system recognized me as a legitimate combatant, someone who'd proven themselves through combat and advancement requirements.
'I can feel it. The changes aren't just numbers on a screen.'
Even sitting in the carriage, exhausted and wounded, I could sense the difference in my body. My muscles felt denser, more responsive. My mana pathways, though currently empty, felt more refined and efficient. The circulation pattern that had required conscious effort before now felt almost natural.
The wound on my shoulder was already beginning to close, healing faster than it should have. The Primordial Chaos Physique combined with my new rank was accelerating the recovery process.
I was stronger than I'd been this morning. Meaningfully, measurably stronger.
'From Unranked to Novice in less than three weeks. Jack said Abel took months to make the same advancement, even with his hero candidate talent.'
The thought should have brought satisfaction, but instead it just reminded me of the cost. Abel was gone because of Kaine's actions. My actions now, since I inhabited this body and carried these sins.
The curse remained. Cursed and Unfortunate still sat in my title list, a constant reminder that I'd committed a Taboo the world itself had judged worth punishing.
But dwelling on guilt wouldn't change anything. I could only move forward, become stronger, and try to be worthy of the second chance I'd been given.
The carriage continued its journey back to the estate. Through the window, I watched the landscape pass. Farmland and small villages, people going about their daily lives, completely unaware that someone had just advanced to Novice rank by killing a peak-tier beast.
My mana pool remained at zero, the complete depletion a reminder that I'd pushed myself to the absolute limit during the fight. The recovery would take time, even with my enhanced regeneration. Probably several hours before I was back to full capacity.
I pulled the Alpha's core from my pocket again, studying it in the afternoon light. The crimson glow pulsed steadily, almost like a heartbeat. This single core probably contained more condensed mana than all four regular Crimson Maw cores I'd harvested during my first trip to the Saber Garden.
The saber's hunger stirred again at the sight of it, but I pushed the feeling aside.
'Later. Maybe. But first I need to complete the test.'
The carriage began to slow as we approached the estate grounds. I tucked the core away and straightened my posture, preparing to face whatever reception awaited.
When we rolled through the main gate, I saw several guards stop their activities to stare. Word would spread quickly that I'd returned. The question was whether anyone had expected me to return at all.
The carriage stopped in the main courtyard, and I climbed out with deliberate care. My body protested the movement, exhaustion and minor injuries making themselves known, but I refused to show weakness.
Jack was already there, waiting beside the courtyard entrance. His expression was neutral, professional, but I saw his eyes track over me, cataloging every detail. The torn coat. The blood on my shoulder. The way I moved with obvious fatigue.
"Young Master," he said formally. "You've returned before sunset. Report."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Crimson Alpha's core. Held it up so the afternoon light caught the pulsing crimson glow.
"The hunt was successful. The Crimson Alpha is dead."
Jack walked forward and took the core, examining it closely. Turned it over in his hands, feeling the weight and density. His expression didn't change, didn't show surprise or doubt.
"Peak Novice-tier core," he confirmed. "Pristine condition. Properly harvested."
He looked at me directly.
"Describe the encounter."
I gave him a concise summary. The tracking process. The initial exchange that revealed the Alpha's superior attributes. The tactical decision to bait it with a false Heaven Splitter before executing First Light. The successful kill. The escape from the pursuing pack.
Jack listened without interruption, his face revealing nothing. When I finished, he nodded once.
"Acceptable performance. You identified your opponent's advantages, adapted your tactics accordingly, and executed the techniques properly under combat pressure. The result speaks for itself."
He pulled out his notebook and made a notation.
"This counts as a passing grade for your first practical hunt. You completed the objective before the deadline and returned in functional condition. Well done."
The simple statement of approval felt like the highest praise imaginable coming from Jack.
"I also notice," he continued, his eyes studying me with increased interest, "that you've advanced to Novice rank. Your presence is different. Stronger. More refined."
I blinked in surprise. "You can tell just by looking at me?"
"I've trained enough warriors to recognize the signs. Your posture is subtly different. The way you carry yourself has changed. And there's a quality to your mana presence now that wasn't there this morning, even though your pool is currently depleted."
Jack closed his notebook.
"Rank advancement through actual combat against a superior opponent is significantly more effective than advancing through accumulated experience alone. You've built a solid foundation. That will serve you well."
He held out the Alpha's core, offering it back to me.
"This is yours. Peak Novice-tier cores are valuable, especially for crafting equipment or enhancing existing gear. I suggest you keep it for future use rather than selling it. Quality materials become harder to acquire as you advance in rank."
I took the core, surprised he was returning it. "I can keep it? It's not required as proof?"
"I've confirmed the kill and recorded your success. The core itself isn't needed for documentation. It's more useful in your hands than sitting in a storage room."
I slipped the core back into my pocket, already thinking about potential uses. The saber wanted it, true, but Jack's suggestion about equipment crafting had merit too.
'Or maybe I can use it for both somehow. Something to research later.'
"Training continues tomorrow," Jack announced, shifting back into instructor mode. "You've proven you can execute the three foundational arts in actual combat. Now we refine them further and prepare you for the academy environment."
He consulted his notebook.
"The next two weeks will focus on advanced applications. Chaining techniques together. Executing them under varied conditions. Building your combat endurance so you can fight at full effectiveness for extended periods."
Jack turned a page.
"In ten days, you'll undertake your second hunt. The target is a Razorback Boar. Apprentice rank, low-tier. Significantly more dangerous than the Crimson Alpha, but by then you'll be stronger and more experienced. That hunt will determine whether you're truly ready for the academy's challenges."
Apprentice rank. A full tier above what I'd just faced. The prospect should have terrified me, but instead I felt something closer to anticipation.
"After the second hunt," Jack continued, "you'll have three days of intensive preparation. Then comes your final test: the unarmed spar against me. If you can land a single strike, you pass completely and depart for the academy with my full recommendation."
He closed the notebook and looked at me directly.
"Questions?"
"The Razorback Boar," I said. "What are its capabilities? What should I know going in?"
"All relevant information will be provided during training. For now, focus on recovery. Your shoulder wound needs proper treatment, and your mana pool needs time to regenerate. Dismissed. Report to the medical wing, then rest for the remainder of the day. Training resumes at dawn tomorrow."
Jack turned and walked toward the manor, his heavy footsteps echoing across the courtyard.
I stood there for a moment, processing everything. Novice rank achieved. The first hunt was successful. Second hunt assigned. Three weeks until the academy.
'It's real. This is actually happening. I'm becoming what Kaine should have been all along.'
The weight of the Alpha's core pressed against my side through the pocket, a tangible reminder of what I'd accomplished. A trophy earned through blood and sweat and the application of techniques I'd learned through brutal repetition.
I looked up at the manor, at the home of the Einsworth family that I was slowly earning the right to represent. The windows reflected the afternoon sun, creating patterns of light and shadow across the stone facade.
Somewhere in that building, Duke Eamon was probably receiving a report about my success. Whether he'd be pleased or merely satisfied, I couldn't guess. The man kept his emotions locked behind walls of iron discipline.
But I'd proven something today. Proven I could execute the family's techniques in actual combat. Proven I could defeat opponents stronger than myself through skill and tactics. Proven I deserved to carry the Einsworth name, at least provisionally.
'Two more weeks. One more hunt. One final test. Then the Continental Academy, where the real challenges begin.'
The thought of the academy brought a mixture of anticipation and dread. I'd be surrounded by the heirs of every major noble family from all five kingdoms. People who knew Abel, who'd heard about Kaine's reputation as a disappointment and disgrace.
They'd expect me to fail. To embarrass the Einsworth name through incompetence or continued self-destruction.
'Let them expect that. Let them underestimate me. Their mistake.'
I turned and walked toward the manor's entrance, ready to get my shoulder treated and finally rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new training, new opportunities to grow stronger.
But today, I'd allow myself this small victory. Today, I'd advanced to Novice rank and proven I could hunt beasts that outmatched me in raw attributes.
Today, I'd taken another step toward becoming someone worthy of the legendary blade hanging at my hip.
The Einsworth Family Saber pulsed contentedly through our bond, as though approving of my thoughts. Together, we walked into the manor, ready for whatever came next.