I woke up before the sun had fully risen. The room was still partially dark, with only a faint glow slipping through the gaps in the curtains. The silence was deep, almost absolute, interrupted only by the girls' calm breathing. I remained lying down for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, organizing my thoughts in a simple way. Today was not a day for excesses, nor for doubt. It was a day to refine what was still lacking.
I got up without making a sound. I picked up my sword and left the room with light steps. The castle corridors were empty, with only a few guards stationed at strategic points. No one stopped me; they merely watched in silence as I made my way outside.
The morning air was cold, colder than on the previous days. The sky was beginning to brighten slowly, with a thin line of light appearing on the horizon. I walked to an open area, away from the main structures. It was a wide space, with firm ground and few obstacles. Perfect.
I gripped the sword firmly, adjusting my stance. There was no need to rush. I started slowly. Basic movements, controlled repetition, precision above all else. The sound of the blade cutting through the air was clean and steady. Every strike had a purpose, every movement an intention.
"You really started early."
The voice came from behind me, but I didn't stop.
I continued for a few more movements before answering.
"Yes."
Kaelira approached slowly, without interrupting my rhythm.
"How long have you been here?"
"Since before sunrise."
She watched in silence for a few moments.
"You never stop."
"Stopping now doesn't make sense."
She crossed her arms, analyzing me.
"My father doesn't train like this."
"He doesn't need to."
"You think you do?"
"Yes."
She didn't answer immediately.
I continued training. Gradually, I increased my speed. The blade began moving with greater intensity, and the air around it reacted more noticeably. It wasn't just physical strength. It was mana control. I directed energy into the sword, without exaggeration, just enough to feel the flow.
Kaelira watched more carefully now.
"That... isn't common."
"It doesn't need to be."
"You have good control."
"I learned over time."
She took a few steps to the side, changing her angle of view.
"You combine technique with strength."
"It's necessary."
"To face someone like him."
"Yes."
I increased the intensity further. The impact of the strikes began leaving faint marks on the ground. The blade vibrated with concentrated energy, but remained under control.
"You're holding back."
I stopped for a moment and looked at her.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"It's not time to use everything yet."
She nodded slowly.
"Control until the very end."
"Exactly."
I resumed training. This time, I focused more on movement. Quick shifts, changes of direction, balance. Every step needed to be precise. There was no room for mistakes.
The sun finally rose completely, illuminating the area.
Kaelira remained silent, simply watching.
A few minutes later, another presence approached.
"I knew you'd be here."
Lyannis.
"It wasn't difficult to predict," I replied.
She looked around.
"Suitable environment."
"Yes."
Vespera appeared shortly afterward, maintaining her usual calm posture.
"Continuous training."
Scarlett came next, her steps firm.
"Good."
Elara and Liriel arrived together, still showing signs of sleepiness, but already attentive.
"You don't wait for anyone," Liriel commented.
"I didn't need to."
Rai'kanna was the last to arrive, stopping closer to Kaelira.
"He's always been like this."
Kaelira nodded.
"Now I understand better."
I continued training with everyone watching. It wasn't a demonstration. It was refinement.
I concentrated more mana into the blade, increasing its density without losing control. I executed a stronger slash that created a visible impact on the ground, raising a small cloud of dust.
"That's closer to what you'll actually use," Scarlett said.
"Not completely."
Vespera analyzed.
"He's still limiting himself."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"But he's calibrating."
Elara watched attentively.
"Every movement is cleaner."
Liriel smiled slightly.
"He doesn't make mistakes anymore."
Rai'kanna kept her gaze fixed.
"He can't afford to make mistakes."
Kaelira took a deep breath.
"My father will notice that."
"I hope so," I replied.
I stopped for a moment, adjusting my breathing. My body was warmed up, and my mana was flowing steadily. It was the ideal point.
"That's enough," Lyannis said.
"Yes."
I slowly sheathed my sword.
Silence took over for a few seconds.
Kaelira stepped forward.
"You're ready."
"Yes."
"Even knowing what's ahead?"
"Yes."
She maintained a steady gaze.
"Then I have nothing more to say."
Scarlett nodded.
"Good."
Vespera added,
"Preparation complete."
Elara took a deep breath.
"Now all that's left is to wait."
Liriel crossed her arms.
"I hate that part."
Rai'kanna looked at me.
"But you handle it well."
"Yes."
Lyannis gave a slight nod.
"Then let's head back."
We began walking back toward the castle.
The journey was silent, but not heavy.
It was the silence of confirmation.
As we entered the castle once more, the atmosphere changed slightly. The place was more active now. Preparations were already underway, even if discreetly.
"It has already started," Liriel commented.
"Yes," I replied.
Kaelira stopped before leaving.
"I'll see you in the arena."
"Yes."
She left without saying anything more.
We returned to the room.
The atmosphere felt different now. There was no more room for preparation. Everything had already been decided.
I sat down for a moment, resting my arms.
"So..." Liriel began.
"Training is over."
"Yes."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"Now it's just maintenance."
Vespera nodded.
"Ideal condition."
Scarlett looked directly at me.
"No changes."
Rai'kanna added,
"No hesitation."
Elara smiled slightly.
"You're already there."
I closed my eyes for a moment.
My body felt light.
My mind was clear.
And the path...
Had already been laid out.
When I opened my eyes again, there was only one certainty.
The next time I raised my sword...
It would be in the arena.
And this time, it wasn't training.