After Lucindra left, Alaric turned to Lucien with a serious expression.
Alaric: Lucien, starting tomorrow, I will begin your training. I will not go easy on you.
Lucien's heart skipped a beat. Training with his father? He had imagined it countless times, but hearing it now made him both nervous and excited.
Lucien: Father… I'm ready. What kind of training will it be?
Alaric: You'll see soon enough. But first, enjoy today. Tomorrow will be much harder.
Elara smiled softly, sitting beside her son.
Elara: I'll spend the day with you, Lucien. You deserve it before tomorrow.
Helena, the maid, added cheerfully: Enjoy yourself, young master. Tomorrow, the lord's training begins.
Lucien sank into thought. Everybody keeps telling me to enjoy today, but I know tomorrow will be hell. Still… training with Father might be the only way to become stronger than everyone else. And if I start now, maybe one day I'll even learn magic.
Despite the excitement, Lucien grew tired. His mother and Helena played with him all day, leaving little time to read the last book in the mansion—the 111th book he hadn't finished. Reading was his way of learning magic, gaining knowledge about the world that might help him survive the challenges ahead.
The Next Morning
Alaric entered Lucien's room.
Alaric: Lucien, wake up. Today, we begin your training outside.
Lucien sprang out of bed, eyes wide with anticipation.
Lucien: Really, Father? We're going outside? I'm ready!
Alaric: Before we start, we need to go to my office. There's something I want to check first.
Lucien: What is it?
Alaric: I need to see if you have any affinity for magic using this crystal.
Lucien's heart sank a little. A magic crystal? I've read about these in the books. They detect mana… what if it shows I can't use any?
He followed his father to the office. Alaric took out a shimmering crystal and held it out.
Alaric: Place your hand on it.
Lucien did so, staring as the crystal blinked faintly.
Lucien: Father… it's just… blinking. Why?
Alaric studied him closely.
Alaric: You have no mana.
Lucien's mind raced. No mana? After all those books, all that effort… I still can't use magic? This is… impossible!
Alaric, reading his son's thoughts, spoke calmly:
Alaric: Don't worry. Magic is not the only way to become strong. I will teach you to fight using your body, your strength, and your mind. If you train hard, you can surpass even those who can use magic.
Lucien's heart lifted. If I can't use magic, I'll become stronger in other ways. I'll make sure I'm not weak.
Alaric: I know you are young, but my training will be tough. I will push you to your limits. You must not give up. Are you ready?
Lucien: I am, Father. I won't give up.
Stepping Outside
The morning air greeted them with a fresh, crisp breeze. The training field behind the house was vast, surrounded by towering trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shifting patterns across the grass. Birds chirped, and the smell of dew made the world feel alive.
Lucien's eyes sparkled as he looked around. So this is the outside… I never thought I'd leave the house for training. It feels… amazing.
Alaric observed him closely.
Alaric: Lucien, before we start, you need to understand the world you live in. Here, nearly everyone uses AURU—an energy that enhances swordsmanship and magic. Those who can wield AURU can perform incredible feats.
Lucien tilted his head.
Lucien: And me, Father?
Alaric: You cannot use AURU… yet. That is why you must master martial arts and swordsmanship. Your body must be your weapon. One day, you may awaken your AURU potential, but until then, your strength will come from discipline and technique.
Lucien: I understand.
Alaric: Now, the martial arts system is divided into ranks. Non-AURU users like you start at Novice, then progress to Apprentice, Adept, Warrior, Elite, Master, and finally Ascendant—the level I have achieved. Each rank unlocks new techniques and greater control over your body.
Lucien: And swordsmanship?
Alaric: Similar system. There are styles unique to this world:
Shadow Fang Style: fast, unpredictable strikes
Iron Wolf Style: heavy, powerful blows
Celestial Serpent Style: flowing, flexible maneuvers
Silent Falcon Style: precise, critical strikes
Lucien listened intently, his pulse quickening.
Alaric: Today, we begin your Novice training. Core concepts of martial arts: focus, balance, endurance, and precision. I will push you, but I will also guide you. Each day you train, you will grow stronger. One day, you may stand among the strongest, even without AURU.
Lucien: I… I won't fail you, Father. I'll become strong.
Alaric nodded, placing a hand on Lucien's shoulder.
Alaric: Then let's begin. Your first lesson starts now.
Lucien clenched his fists, his mind full of determination. The field seemed enormous, but in his heart, a fire had ignited. This was only the beginning.