The Knight looked at Laniakea, not expecting much. "Did you catch that, little guy?" he asked. He tossed a short sword toward Laniakea, gesturing for him to try and recreate the movements.
Laniakea frowned. "Why did you only give me a short sword? Shouldn't I do it with a real one?"
The Knight chuckled. "Just so you know, that isn't a 'real' sword either as it's a training blade for young nobles. Now, show me what you picked up," he said with a grin, nudging Laniakea to start.
Laniakea picked up the sword and began visualizing the movements he had just witnessed. He replayed it over and over: how the muscles moved, how the Aura flowed through the body and extended into the steel, the precise footwork, and the harmony of the strike. He analyzed every step.
At first, the Knight began to grow bored, thinking the boy couldn't pull it off. But then his expression shifted to one of slight alarm. "Ha... haha, would you look at that," he whispered.
As he watched Laniakea copy the movements, he noticed something terrifying. This kid is a monster, the Knight thought. Not only did he copy the four basic moves, but he adjusted them for his smaller frame. The strikes are weaker, but they're incredibly sharp! It's like watching a younger version of myself.
Laniakea wasn't just replicating the moves, he was adopting them, making them his own. As he swung the sword, his Aura heart began to burn with excitement. Aura began to pour out of him because unlike the Knight's concentrated flow, Laniakea's energy radiated from his entire body, giving him a faint glow.
What is this absurd amount of Aura? the Knight wondered, his mouth showing a uncomfortable grin. It's uncontrolled, but even senior knights don't possess this much. I have to make a good impression and build a connection with him for the future.
Laniakea's breathing became ragged, yet he had no intention of stopping. As he reached the final movement, his legs gave out. The Knight dashed forward, catching him before he hit the ground.
I can't believe a child with such determination still exists in this era of peace, the Knight thought, his face a mix of fear and joy. He didn't even notice his body yelling at him to stop... No, wait. His muscles aren't torn, they're already recovered! A normal child would be covered in injuries after those moves. He only fell because he ran out of stamina.
The Knight slipped a small note into the boy's pocket. I'll at least wait for him to wake up.
Ten minutes later, Laniakea opened his eyes. "Hey, little guy, you finally awake?" the Knight asked. "I'm heading out now. If you can't find work when you're older, come to Anje County. I'll be waiting for you."
As the Knight returned to his camp, Laniakea headed back toward the orphanage, proud of his achievement. To avoid being caught by the Sister, he climbed through his window and collapsed into bed.
That night, he dreamed of a strange place, an endless ocean that looked like the sky, mirroring the color of his own eyes. In the distance, he saw a strange sphere.