The next morning at the grand Noble Academy, distinguished by its books and education, the atmosphere was charged with focus and movement. Kayden was sitting in the corner reading a book about fencing arts, while Fiona was sitting beside him writing notes on a wooden tablet. Peter was training with his sword near them, while Mera was watching them from afar.
Mera looked at Kayden and said: "I think we need to practice fighting more than reading about its methods. Strength comes with continuous training."
Kayden raised his head and said smiling: "I agree, but I think I need some theory first. I don't want to be like the warrior who rushes into attack without thinking."
Fiona, who was watching them and noticed the change in Kayden after William's training, said: "True, theoretical basics build mental strength, but we shouldn't forget that we are also here to learn how to act under pressure."
Peter, who was watching them from afar, said in a non-serious tone: "Talking about basics doesn't help when you find yourself in front of a real opponent. Application is what matters most."
Suddenly, Wayne entered the room carrying an old book in his hand and said: "If you want to know more about dueling, you must study this book. It contains hidden techniques to overcome opponents."
Kayden looked at him and said in surprise: "You too, Wayne? What do these books contain?"
Wayne smiled and said: "This book teaches you how to influence your opponent through mental manipulation, how to weaken his will before the battle begins."
Fiona raised her eyebrows and said: "Mental manipulation? That sounds dangerous."
Mera, laughing a little, said: "I don't think this will improve our dueling style. Perhaps it would be more useful in verbal duels."
But before anyone could speak, Wayne performed his usual prank. While everyone was busy talking about the book, Wayne suddenly threw the book in the air, but this time he didn't mean to run away with it. The book, which was heavy, fell directly on Kayden's head.
Kayden looked at the book and then at Wayne and said in a low voice: "You really never stop with the surprises."
Wayne, laughing enthusiastically, said: "I just wanted to show you the power of the book! It teaches you how to be quick-witted."
Mera laughed and said: "If this is the benefit of the book, then perhaps we need another book to learn how to avoid book strikes!"
Peter smiled and said: "At least if a book falls on your head again, you'll have an idea of how to use it as a shield!"
Kayden, who began to smile as well, said: "It seems I'll need training on how to deal with heavy books before I learn real dueling."
Fiona, smiling at Kayden, said: "If you can handle pranks and books, you'll be ready for more than just duels."
Wayne, smirking, said: "And I am here to teach you how to stay alive in the face of surprises."
After the day at the academy ended, Kayden returned home walking slowly. His mind was busy with what happened at the academy, especially after the prank Wayne played. He felt a slight pain in his head from the heavy book that fell on him, but he was also thinking about Myra and Fiona's words about the importance of practical application.
He entered his room, where William was waiting for him. William was sitting near the room window, looking at the horizon as if thinking about things he feared might happen.
Kayden approached him and said: "Professor William, today was full of surprises at the academy. There was a discussion about theoretical and practical lessons. In fact, their talk was very interesting."
William looked at him smiling and said: "I see your mind is preoccupied, what happened?"
Kayden sat beside William and said: "Well, they were saying that practical application is the most important, while I thought theoretical understanding was the foundation because of what I learned from you. Myra said there is no use in learning theory without application, while Fiona saw that the mind must be ready first."
William sighed and said: "It is true that practical application is very important, but theory is no less important. If you fight without understanding your techniques and the principles of dueling, you will be prone to error at critical times. Theory gives you the deep vision that helps you understand how the opponent moves, and how to respond in different situations."
Kayden looked at William and said: "But how can I apply these ideas? Sometimes I think I train a lot on movements but I can't understand why they are applied the way I do."
William smiled and said: "Training on movements must be studied. If you don't understand what is behind every movement, you won't be able to use it efficiently. When you master the theory, you will know when to use each movement, and how to benefit from every opportunity."
Kayden reflected on his words, then
said: "I think I need to balance between the two. Theory might give me a deep understanding, and application will make me master what I've learned."
William nodded and said: "Exactly. Everything is in its place if you understand why you do what you do. Theory cannot be separated from application in the arts of fencing. You must always be mentally and physically ready at the same time."
Kayden smiled and said: "I understand now. I will focus on both sides."
William added: "That is the only way to achieve real progress. But remember, always keep your eyes on the bigger goal. Don't let anything distract you from your quest."
Kayden felt comfortable after his talk with William, and knew that the road ahead was long, but a deep understanding of what he was learning would lead him to success.
Kayden stopped telling the story, moved by those memories, then said while looking at the sea: "This was the beginning of my acquaintance with William, Ren."
Ren answered him quickly: "So what happened after that? Tell me about the place of his death."
"Alright then."kayden replied sadly.
After years of training and receiving wisdom, William went on a journey while I was seventeen years old. A year after that time, I wanted him to return to attend graduation with me, and indeed he came. I was at the peak of my happiness then; that was a month before graduation. The events of that day were following each other in a fun way between laughter and serious training. At a time when everyone thought this day would remain quiet, an urgent message arrived at the palace.
A guard entered quickly, holding a message sealed with the kingdom's emblem. Adrian looked at him seriously and asked: "What is the matter?"
The guard said in a tense tone: "A message from the Emperor. It seems there is an emergency in the Capital."
Adrian took the message and opened it quickly. He read in a low voice, then turned to William, saying: "It seems things have started moving faster than we expected. The Emperor requests our immediate presence in the Capital for an emergency meeting."
William calmly: "An emergency? Does it relate to the revolution in the southern provinces?"
Adrian: "I don't know, but it's a matter that cannot be ignored. We must move immediately."
Kayden, with the enthusiasm vanishing from his face, asked with concern: "Will you all go?"
William looked at Kayden and said with a reassuring smile: "This is not a goodbye, just a short mission. Continue training, and I will return soon."
Fiona, who also felt anxious, said: "Could this meeting be dangerous?"
Adrian answered her confidently: "Don't worry. We know how to handle things. Just stay here safely, and we will return as soon as the meeting ends."
Everyone prepared to leave, and Kayden and Fiona saw them off at the palace gate. But deep in Kayden's heart, he felt there was a matter larger than what was being said.
On the road to the Capital, William was silent, thinking about the scene he saw in the poor neighborhood. Adrian noticed his distraction and asked: "What are you thinking about, William?"
William replied in a low voice: "Many things. The corruption gnawing at the Empire, the poor neighborhoods, the children who have nothing... and all this while we head toward another meeting full of politics and schemes."
Adrian stopped for a moment, then said sharply: "William, this is the reality. We cannot change everything, and we have no choice but to accept this corruption and try to stay in a position that allows us to influence, even in a small way."
William looked at him in surprise, then said: "How can you say that? If we ourselves accept this reality, then who will change it?"
Adrian replied coldly: "William, thinking in ideals might lead you to destruction. The Empire is not a place for those who dream of an ideal world."
William fell silent, but he couldn't hide the signs of disappointment on his face. He continued thinking, his eyes contemplating the road as if he were waiting for an answer that would satisfy him.
At the palace, Kayden and Fiona decided to spend their day in the garden, talking about the future. Fiona said while looking at the sky: "Kayden, do you think we can change this world?"
Kayden answered confidently: "Yes, I believe so. As long as we strive to do what is right, nothing can stop us."
Fiona looked at him with admiration and said: "You remind me of master William. I have a feeling you will become something great one day."
Kayden, joking while looking at her: "Maybe, but until then, I have homework I must finish!"
Fiona laughed and said: "Finally! Come on, let's start before William returns and scolds you!"