Before I went to sleep, Roland gave me a brief overview of the training schedule. He said my practice would start tomorrow because Grandfather had ordered it personally. After listening to him, I went to bed early.
Unfortunately, I had to wake up before sunrise. Roland came to get me and took me to the Lunareth training grounds. Lucy wasn't there yet. As we walked, I noticed several guards already training in the dim morning light.
I carried my new sword with me. After changing into training clothes, I grabbed a wooden sword from the rack and smiled.
"Let's duel," I said.
Roland looked at me as if I'd said something ridiculous.
"Young master," he sighed, "you need to practice the basics first. Dueling comes last."
A few minutes later, I was running laps instead of fighting.
"You traitor, Roland!" I muttered between breaths. "I thought you'd teach me swordplay, not make me run!"
He just laughed and kept counting.
After the morning drills, we took a break for breakfast. Mother joined me at the dining table, but she looked worried about my training. I tried to reassure her, but it didn't seem to help.
At lunch, I didn't go back to the mansion. Lucy brought my food to the training ground, and after we ate, she left again. In the afternoon, Roland began teaching me the basics sword grips, stances, and movement.
While we practiced, I noticed some others training nearby. Roland explained they were people who hadn't awakened or hoped to awaken later.
"Not everyone can use mana directly," he said. "Those who can't often become warriors who rely on physical weapons like swords, spears, and maces. They rise through hard work, not magic."
He told me about Dominic, one of our knights. Dominic had never awakened either, but after years of training under Grandfather, he'd become a Sword Master.
"People who take that path can't wield mana like mages," Roland continued. "But they can channel mana into weapon aura. Their weapons are forged from materials that can store mana often enhanced with mana stones, sometimes called gemstones. By using those weapons, they can convert mana into aura and learn powerful aura techniques."
I wiped the sweat from my forehead, trying to take it all in. Such complex power systems, I thought. I wonder where I'll fit into all this.
After a busy day, I cleaned up and had dinner with Grandfather and Mother. Mother tried to use healing magic again, but Grandfather laughed and stopped her.
He asked how my training felt and offered some advice. I thought the old monster wasn't so bad after all as I chuckled to myself on my way to my room.
At night, neither Lucy nor Roland came to my room without a good reason they always respected my privacy. I started reading and learning more about mana and its nature. I recalled what Roland and that man, Silas, told me on my birthday. I didn't push myself too hard, studying little by little and taking notes in my old world's language so no one could read them. After finishing, I meditated to improve my mana sense and went to bed.
The next day, before dawn broke, Roland came to drag me out of bed and to the training ground. Now I regret asking for sword training. I don't want to be powerful just let me sleep! I yelled, half asleep, but he didn't listen. It seemed Grandfather had planned everything so I couldn't back out. You monster, I silently cursed.
I had to run, do push ups, and other exercises before breakfast. Afterward, he showed me basic sword skills swings and dodges and made me repeat them thousand of times. By noon, he demonstrated techniques with the help of the guards.
"Ah, young master, you're doing it wrong! Not like that like this," Roland said, swinging the sword again. "Now start over, a thousand times."
A thousand times?! You bastard, you traitor! Why do I have to do the same thing over and over? I already know this! In my previous world, I was a martial artist! I screamed inside my mind but didn't dare say it out loud. Good… like this? Only 999 more times? He made it sound so easy. You traitor. I never goning to pay you back for that fruit you brought me, you traitor! You sided with Grandfather!
But deep down, I knew they were doing it for me and I was the one who asked for it.
After Vale finished training and went to his room, Roland met with Vandrel, as requested.
Roland greet upon entering. "Lord Vandrel," he said.
Vandrel nodded and gestured toward a chair. "So, how is my grandson doing?"
Roland smiled. "Please tell me that brat won't stop training after just two days," he laughed. "No, the young master is talented. I've never seen anyone like him. He's only six, but he knows so much. You'd never guess he's just a child. He's dedicated to training and getting better. The only challenge is waking him up and getting him to the training ground in the morning."
Vandrel's mouth twitched. "Is that so? Good. Roland, I trust you his safety and training are in your hands."
Roland shifted uncomfortably for a moment. "My lord, he's reserved. He keeps to himself and shuts others out. I think"
Vandrel gently interrupted, his voice softening. "I know why. My child I treat you as my son, and that will never change. I am the only one who knows your true identity. That day we both lost someone we loved; your father was a man I cared for deeply. Once I understood what happened, I brought you into my family. Years have passed, and yet you still see me as a master rather than as family. Please. try to think of us as family."
He leaned forward. "At the very least, please don't treat Vale as merely the young master. Think of him as your brother. I believe it will help you, help us, heal our past."
After a short pause, Vandrel drew himself up and spoke more firmly. "You will be in charge of Vale's training and safety. I can't entrust these things to anyone else, Roland."
There was a quiet moment. Roland nod. "I understand, Lord Vandrel. I will do my best."
"I'll leave now," Roland added, greet once more, and left the room.
Vandrel watched him go. When the door closed, his gaze darkened and his thoughts turned inward, bitter and cold.
Land and power… he thought. You took my son and his father. Emperor of Sorin you'd better watch your back. Do you think I will forget what you've done? I will teach you a lesson you'll never forget. Give me time.